By CHARLES OWENS
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
— CHARLESTON — Eight lawmakers representing districts across West Virginia came together Tuesday to introduce a resolution memorializing the life of Emilie Holroyd.
Holroyd, a well-known local, state and national Democratic Party leader from Mercer County, passed away on March 30, 2009, following a dedicated life of public service to her region, state and country.
“Emilie Holroyd was truly an inspirational wife, mother and outstanding leader,” Senate Majority Leader H. Truman Chafin, D-Mingo said. “She has a special place in each of our hearts. Emilie found a way to be the foundation of her family and become an inspirational leader in our state.”
Chafin was joined Tuesday by Sen. Corey Palumbo, D-Kanawha, Sen. Brooks McCabe, D-Kanawha, Sen. Robert H. Plymale, D-Wayne, Sen. Roman Prezioso, D-Marion and Sen. Erik Wells, D-Kanawha, in introducing Senate Resolution 51. A copy of the resolution was presented to Robert “Bob” Holroyd, husband of the late Emilie Holroyd, who was joined by his children, grandchildren and friends in accepting the resolution Tuesday.
Holroyd, a long-time food columnist with the Daily Telegraph, was active in the Democratic National Executive Committee for more than 20 years following her appointment by then Gov. Jay Rockefeller. She was later elected as vice chairman of the state Democratic National Executive Committee, which made Holroyd the highest ranking female in the state Democratic party. Holroyd also is a past chairman of the Mercer County Democratic Executive Committee.
According to the resolution, Holroyd became a West Virginia Democratic National Committeewoman, state Democratic Executive Committee Vice Chairwoman and holder of various positions in regional and local Democratic organizations. The resolution further adds that as a member of the National Democratic Party’s Executive Committee, Holroyd was privileged to serve on the planning and operation committee for the National Democratic Convention in San Francisco, Calif., in 1984.
The resolution further adds that Holroyd worked “tirelessly addressing issues affecting everyone, from the young to senior citizens, and fought to make the world a better place for abused women and children, the financially needy and those who felt the sting of prejudice.”
– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com
