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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE DEATH OF SUE TOWNSEND, AIKEN COUNTY CORONER, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2004, AND TO CONVEY THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the Senate were deeply saddened by the death of Sue Townsend, Aiken County Coroner, at the age of fifty-seven, after losing a four-year battle with cancer; and
Whereas, Mrs. Townsend was appointed coroner for Aiken County in 1982 by Governor Riley to fill an unexpired term and was subsequently elected to five additional terms; and
Whereas, as the coroner Mrs. Townsend approached her job with kindness and compassion, giving dignity to those who had passed and comforting their families during their time of hardship and loss; and
Whereas, a pioneer in her field, Mrs. Townsend accomplished much more than being the first woman to hold the position of coroner in South Carolina, she also demonstrated great dedication and leadership in guiding the Aiken County Coroner's Office to be the first in the State to be certified into the National Crime Information Center; and
Whereas, during her twenty-two years as Coroner of Aiken County, the coroner's office grew from just one full-time coroner to two deputy coroners and several on-call, part-time deputies; and
Whereas, Mrs. Townsend's community mindedness and public service was exemplary. She implemented the program that places white crosses on the roadside where traffic fatalities have occurred, and in 1992 she was named Public Citizen of the Year by the South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for her efforts to combat drunk driving; and
Whereas, Mrs. Townsend was known for her efforts to elevate the professional competency of coroner's offices throughout the State, setting the standard in the Palmetto State that many coroners have aspired to achieve; and
Whereas, while serving on a Task Force on Infant Mortality, she worked tirelessly on their mission and significantly reduced infant mortality rates for Aiken County. Mrs. Townsend was committed to creating a better world for those around her; she poured her heart and soul into all that she did; and
Whereas, Mrs. Townsend was a consummate professional who was greatly respected in her profession and throughout county government; she was admired by all who knew her, and her presence will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sympathy upon the death of Sue Townsend, Aiken County Coroner, Tuesday, February 3, 2004, and convey deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mr. Skip Townsend of Aiken County.
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