Celebrating the life of Jane Crittenden Talley.

Celebrating the life of Jane Crittenden Talley.

WHEREAS, Jane Crittenden Talley, an esteemed social worker, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and cherished member of the Richmond community, died on June 27, 2025; and

WHEREAS, born in Richmond and baptized at Fifth Baptist Church, Jane Talley was educated in Richmond Public Schools, attending Randolph Elementary School, Benjamin Graves Junior High School, and Maggie L. Walker High School; she was active in church activities from an early age, participating in youth groups, special programs, and other ministries at Fifth Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Jane Talley earned a bachelor's degree in sociology at Virginia Union University, where she met and soon married the love of her life, Wilbert D. Talley; and

WHEREAS, after her marriage, Jane Talley remained a dedicated member of Fifth Baptist Church while also serving as the First Lady of Third Union Baptist Church in King William; she gave her time and devotion to both churches, including as a member of the churches' choirs; outside of her church communities, Jane Talley was an active member of the Richmond Chapter of Ministers' Wives and Widows; and

WHEREAS, Jane and Wilbert Talley pursued graduate studies at Howard University, where Jane Talley earned her master's degree in social work; with a dream of being a “mother of a hundred children,” she began her more than 35-year-long career in social work as a school social worker in the Washington, D.C., area; and

WHEREAS, after a decades-long career of service, Jane Talley retired as an adoption supervisor from the City of Richmond's Department of Social Services, where she was instrumental in implementing the Virginia One Church, One Child organization, which worked with over 350 African American churches in the Commonwealth to place hundreds of children in permanent homes; and

WHEREAS, Jane Talley will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her devoted husband of 59 years, Wilbert; her children, David, Pamela, Patrice, and Stephen, 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 Jane Crittenden Talley, a treasured member of the Richmond community whose faith and light brightened countless lives; 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 Jane Crittenden Talley as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.