Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on January 22, 1944; educated at Norfolk State University (B.S., Vocational-Industrial Education; M.A., Urban Affairs, with a concentration in Human Resources Planning and Administration, magna cum laude; President/CEO Lucas Lodge; Baptist; member: Deaconess, New Mount Olivet Baptist Church; Greater Hampton Roads Black Chamber of Commerce, charter member; TowneBank, (Portsmouth Advisory Board); The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus; National Congress of Black Women; NAACP, (Diamond Life Member); Norfolk State University Alumni Association; Golden Life Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; The Links, Incorporated; The Torch Club of Portsmouth; Brighton Light Chapter Number 118, Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation of Virginia; I.C. Norcom High School Alumni Association, Grand Reunion Award; The Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project, Legacy Award; The Emporia-Greensville Industrial Development Corporation Economic Development Leadership Award; former councilwoman, City of Portsmouth ; Member of the Senate: 1992-