S 0547  Resolution, By Stephens and Hutto
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH
 CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF BRENDA LILLIAN WILLIAMS OF ORANGEBURG, TO
 CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY
 FRIENDS.

   02/11/21  Senate Introduced and adopted

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF BRENDA LILLIAN WILLIAMS OF ORANGEBURG, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened by the passing of Brenda Lillian Williams of Orangeburg on February 7, 2021, at the age of sixty-eight; and

Whereas, this Orangeburg native earned her bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry at South Carolina State University in 1974. Two years later, she received a master's degree in hospital administration from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. She was a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a graduate of the Diversity Leadership Institute; and

Whereas, as vice president of strategy and compliance at Regional Medical Center (RMC) of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, she retired in 2017 from a distinguished career in hospital administration that spanned thirty-seven years; and

Whereas, previously, she had served as an administrative resident at Washington Hospital in Washington, Pennsylvania, and as assistant director of the Palmetto Lowcountry Health Systems Agency in Summerville; and

Whereas, believing strongly in personal involvement with her community, Brenda served that community in several capacities. These included service as a member of the Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency Board (chair), Orangeburg and Calhoun Free Medical Clinic Board of Directors, and Regional Economic and Educational Community Development Corporation (vice president). Further, she was a founding member of the Orangeburg Family YMCA and a commissioner at Denmark Technical College. Formerly, she served as president of the local United Way, as vice president for community betterment of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, and as a school board trustee and member of the Orangeburg School District 5 Foundation Board; and

Whereas, in recognition of her dedicated service, Brenda received the Orangeburg Morning Rotary Club's 2016 Rotarian of the Year award and the Palmetto Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association's 2015 Spencer D. Disher award; and

Whereas, in addition, she was a member of the Morning Rotary Club of Orangeburg; NAACP; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; and South Carolina State University National Alumni Association (life member), which featured her as a 2020 Stellar Alumni member. As a woman of strong faith, she was a member of Orangeburg's Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where she served as a lector; and

Whereas, preceded in death by her parents and her brother Alfred Leroy Williams, Brenda leaves to cherish her memory her loving brother Cecil James (Barbara) of Orangeburg; Maudelle Salley Bing of Orangeburg, a cousin who grew up as a sister; a special cousin, Deloris Evering of Orangeburg; and a host of other family members and friends. She will be missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Brenda Lillian Williams of Orangeburg, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Cecil James for the family.