2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 35
Celebrating the life of Anthony L. Bennett, Sr.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 2, 2026
WHEREAS, Anthony L. Bennett, Sr., a respected educator, community leader, and entrepreneur who founded A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, Inc., in Fredericksburg, died on January 7, 2026; and
WHEREAS, as a child, Anthony Bennett was inspired by the care and ceremony demonstrated by local morticians as they supported families during times of loss and set a personal goal to one day own a funeral home of his own; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Bennett was a proud graduate of what is now Virginia State University, from which he earned a bachelor's degree in industrial arts; he continued his education at John Tyler Community College, obtaining an associate degree in mortuary science, and subsequently earned a master's degree in administration and supervision from George Mason University; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Bennett's longtime dream became a reality in 1977, when he opened Bennett's Funeral Home, which later became A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, Inc.; he was highly respected in his profession and provided his leadership and insights to the Virginia Morticians' Association, Inc., and the Richmond Funeral Directors Association, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Bennett was a pivotal and inspirational figure in local Black history in Fredericksburg; A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home was originally located at 515 Princess Anne Street, where it operated from 1977 until 2007, and was the last Black-owned business on that block; and
WHEREAS, A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home continues to uphold Anthony Bennett's legacy of excellence and dedication to serving the community from its current location at 200 Butternut Drive in Fredericksburg; and