2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 162
Celebrating the life of Elton Smith, Jr.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, Elton Smith, Jr., an honorable veteran, distinguished educator, trailblazing education administrator, and beloved member of the Kilmarnock community, died on January 14, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a native of Lancaster County, Elton Smith was drafted into the United States Army in 1945 while still in high school; Elton Smith served his country with honor and distinction for two years before returning to graduate from the former A.T. Wright High School in White Stone; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation, Elton Smith spent time working in the local menhaden fishing industry before earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from Virginia Union University; and
WHEREAS, Elton Smith became an educator in Lancaster County, and he worked tirelessly to help his students achieve success both in and out of the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Elton Smith later earned a master's degree in school administration from what is today Hampton University and took graduate courses in school administration at The College of William and Mary before embarking on the next chapter of his career as a school administrator; and