WHEREAS, Ruby Ethel Giles Turner, a woman small in stature but huge in heart and influence through her commitment to education, the law-enforcement community, and youth in Richmond, died on July 6, 2012; and

WHEREAS, born on June 3, 1928, in Richmond to Moses N. Giles and Sangue L. Knight, Ruby Turner was baptized at a young age at Ebenezer Baptist Church and nurtured and shared her faith throughout her life, joining Redeemer Lutheran Church later in life; and

WHEREAS, an intelligent and hardworking young woman, Ruby Turner graduated from Armstrong High School at the age of 16; she furthered her education by studying nursing and enjoyed a successful 25-year career at MCV Hospital, now known as the VCU Health System; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Turner provided outstanding care to her patients and contributed to her profession when she was selected to the National Nursing Council to assist in the rewriting of the nationwide licensure exam; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from her nursing career, Ruby Turner turned her time and energies to the well-being of her community through participation at Richmond City Council meetings and Public Square meetings and involvement in such organizations as Restorative Youth Services of Virginia, Richmond City Democratic Committee, the League of Women Voters, and the Chesterfield County Police Department Citizens Academy; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Turner took an active role in community affairs, sharing her insights and wisdom with local leaders and residents, serving as chief officer for the Board of Elections for the City of Richmond for her district, faithfully supporting the efforts of law-enforcement personnel, and reaching out to local youth to encourage them to further their educations and avoid violence; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Turner founded Citizens of Greater Richmond Against Gun Violence and held banquets to honor various law-enforcement agencies; Governor George Allen appointed her to the Board of Correctional Education and Governor Mark Warner appointed her to the Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Turner earned numerous awards and accolades for her tremendous community service, including the Service to Law Enforcement Award from the Richmond Police Department; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband, Charles; daughter, Lois; and stepdaughter, Dorothea; Ruby Turner will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Eunice and Cyrus, and their families; stepdaughter, Diane, and her family; numerous other family members and friends; local law-enforcement officials; and those whose lives she touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a remarkable woman and outstanding Virginian, Ruby Ethel Giles Turner; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ruby Ethel Giles Turner as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.