VA SJR162

Elton Smith, Jr., a Lancaster County native, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945 while still in high school and served for two years before completing his education

Earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Virginia Union University and a master's degree in school administration from Hampton University, with additional graduate work at The College of William and Mary

Made history as the first Black superintendent in Virginia when appointed Superintendent of King and Queen County Public Schools

Served as a member of the Northern Neck Chantey Singers to preserve the region's menhaden fishing heritage and as a deacon at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in White Stone

Received an honorary doctorate of pedagogy from Virginia University of Lynchburg in 2003; passed away on January 14, 2025