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RICHMOND – The 2023 Memorial Day weekend proved deadly for nine drivers and passengers, to include four motorcyclists.* The holiday statistical counting period began Friday, May 26, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. and concluded at midnight Monday, May 29, 2023. The Virginia State Police not only participated in the nationwide, state-sponsored Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) during the Memorial Day weekend, but also the annual Click It or Ticket seat belt education and enforcement campaign. During the designated statistical counting period, Virginia Troopers cited 771 seat belt violations and 136 child restraint violations.
"We are in the midst of schools letting out and summer travel plans being made," said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. "If this past Memorial Day weekend is any indication of what Virginia's highways may look like during the coming summer months, then we desperately need drivers and passengers to make a committed effort to buckle up everyone in a vehicle, share the road responsibly with motorcycles, and drive distraction free. Responsible, safe, and sober driving saves lives. It is really that simple."
Participation in the four-day Operation C.A.R.E. required all available Virginia State Police patrolling the highways to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. During the 2023 combined Memorial Day C.A.R.E. initiative, Virginia Troopers cited 4,990 speeders and 1,924 reckless drivers, and arrested 89 impaired drivers. In addition, 169 felony arrests were made. Virginia State Police also assisted 1,447 disabled motorists. Virginia State Police investigated a total 1,846 traffic crashes statewide and inspected 634 commercial vehicles during the holiday weekend.
The seven fatal crashes occurred in the City of Richmond, and Henry, Loudoun, Orange and Shenandoah counties. Both Henry and Loudoun had two fatal crashes occur in their jurisdictions. Two of the four fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in Loudoun County; the other two took place in Shenandoah County and the City of Richmond. During the 2022 Memorial Day Operation C.A.R.E. initiative, 16 individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes on Virginia roadways.**
Funds generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police go directly to court fees and the state's Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.
High Hills Cemetery
215 N. Halifax Rd
Jarratt, VA 2367
Lois Leeds Starke Grizzard, 90, of Jarratt, VA went to meet her Lord and Savior on June 1, 2023. She joins her husband, Franklin Lee Grizzard who died in 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson E. Starke and Minnie O. Starke and great grandson, Lyle Hayes Grizzard. She is survived by her son, Michael L. Grizzard; her daughters, Pamela A. Grizzard, Tina Grizzard Autry and her husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Michael Lee Grizzard, II and his wife, Kristen, Matthew Nelson Grizzard and his wife Alison, Chase Stewart Autry and his wife Amber, Stephanie Blair Anderson and her husband Tyler; 6 great grandchildren, Kellan Michael Grizzard, Violet Jane Grizzard, Alden Lee Grizzard, Linden Joah Grizzard, Faxon Lee Autry and Sutton Jane Anderson. Lois is also survived by her sisters, Pauline S. Adams and Carolyn S. Ankermiller.
Lois was a member of High Hills Baptist Church and Main Street Baptist Church where she held many positions. She was a devoted Christian and was always thinking of others and finding ways to help. She was a born leader and a woman of many talents such as seamstress, office manager, Girl Scout Leader, bus driver, babysitter, grocery store owner, and many more. Anything that needed doing, she would figure it out. She was very independent and could accomplish anything she set out to do. She was instrumental in forming the Brunswick Academy Theatre and enjoyed working with the students on all the plays.
A special thank you to her devoted caregivers, Shawn Michaels, Joyce Lynch and Barbara Lynch. Also, with Hospice of Va. Christina Richardson, Erica Robinson, Candace Joyner and Julie Mills. Lois was so used to taking care of others that during these last months, she had a hard time accepting help from others.
Graveside services will be held on 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at High Hills Cemetery, Jarratt, Virginia. The family will receive friends at Mrs. Grizzard’s home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to High Hills Baptist Church, P O Box 296, Jarratt, VA 23867; Main Street Baptist, 440 S. Main St. Emporia, VA 23847; or Hospice of VA 2235 Staples Mill Rd, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230.
