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Celebrating the life of Hope Tyson Lambert.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Hope Tyson Lambert, a beloved wife and mother, inspirational author, and devoted community leader in Hampton Roads, died on November 9, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Hope Lambert grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and pursued a career as a flight attendant in the 1970s, overcoming systemic barriers and racial discrimination to receive employment offers from several major airlines; and
WHEREAS, paving the way for other Black women in the industry, Hope Lambert ultimately chose to work for Allegheny Airlines, a regional carrier that later became part of the US Airways Group; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the urgent need for lodging for children undergoing chemotherapy, Hope Lambert launched the US Airways Benefit Bazaar for Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh; under her leadership in the early 1980s, the event raised more than $5,000 to provide hope and support for children in need; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, Hope Lambert relocated to Virginia and settled in Hampton Roads, where her passion for community leadership flourished; she served on the board of Norfolk Collegiate School and helped establish its Multicultural Club, was a regular attendee of the People of Color Conference, and devoted more than 25 years of service to the Urban League; and
WHEREAS, Hope Lambert was also a longtime member of the Tidewater Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, where she was one of the top ticket sellers for the White Diamond Dance to generate support for scholarships; and
WHEREAS, Hope Lambert was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1989 and became a beacon of strength and resilience in the community by maintaining her commitment to advocacy and servant leadership despite physical limitations as the condition progressed; and
WHEREAS, Hope Lambert authored
Power of Hope: The Hope Lambert Story
to inspire and encourage others, and she was a longtime participant in charitable walks benefiting the American Cancer Society and research into treatments and a cure for multiple sclerosis; and
WHEREAS, known for her unwavering commitment to civic engagement, Hope Lambert supported Barack Obama's campaign for president of the United States and received a personal phone call from him for her achievements; she subsequently turned her home into a local headquarters for Hilary Clinton's presidential campaign; and
WHEREAS, Hope Lambert will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her dedicated husband of more than 41 years, Alexander; her beloved daughter, Tye; her stepchildren, Diane, Alexander II, and Michael, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Hope Tyson Lambert; 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 Hope Tyson Lambert as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.