[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE OF THELMA PETTIS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2026

  Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, 
and extraordinary service of Thelma Pettis, a distinguished leader of 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, whose passing is deeply felt 
across the Commonwealth of Virginia and throughout the South Atlantic 
Region.
  Soror Pettis devoted more than eight decades of faithful service to 
Delta Sigma Theta, exemplifying the sorority's highest ideals of 
sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. Just recently, she 
was lovingly celebrated by the Richmond Alumnae Chapter for her 
remarkable 80 years of membership and was honored as a panelist during 
``Delta Days'' in the Virginia General Assembly, continuing her 
commitment to civic engagement and public service until her final days.
  From 1986 to 1989, Soror Pettis served as the ninth South Atlantic 
Regional Director, leading with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering 
dedication to strengthening chapters, developing leaders, and advancing 
the sorority's mission. Her tenure left an indelible mark on the 
Region, and her leadership continues to inspire generations of Delta 
women.
  At the local level, Soror Pettis twice served as President of the 
Richmond Alumnae Chapter, where under her leadership, she deepened the 
chapter's impact and reinforced its role as a pillar of service in the 
community. She also played a pivotal role in helping to charter the Rho 
Rho Chapter at University of Richmond, extending the reach of Delta 
Sigma Theta's mission to a new generation of student leaders and 
ensuring the sorority's legacy of excellence and service would endure 
on campus and beyond. As a charter member of Rho Rho, I benefited 
greatly from her leadership and kindness.
  Soror Thelma Pettis lived a life of purpose and principle. Her legacy 
is one of service rendered with humility, leadership exercised with 
compassion, and commitment sustained across a lifetime. She will be 
deeply missed by her sorors, her community, and all who had the 
privilege of knowing her.
  I extend my heartfelt condolences to her daughter, Soror Karen Pettis 
Walden, her family, loved ones, and the members of the Richmond Alumnae 
Chapter. May they find comfort in knowing that Soror Pettis' life had a 
profound impact, and that her legacy will continue to guide and uplift 
generations to come.

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