A house RESOLUTION

 

to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Vashti Ernestine Young "V.E." O'Neal OF Fairfield COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Vashti Ernestine Young "V.E." O'Neal at the age of ninety-five on January 15, 2024; and

 

Whereas, born in Jenkinsville on August 18, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Maxie and Maggie Pearson Young, and she was reared in a loving home with ten siblings.  She received her early education at Camp Liberty in Jenkinsville; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. O'Neal's parents oversaw her spiritual development in White Hall African Methodist Episcopal Church, and throughout her life, she served the congregation in several capacities until her health declined.  She served on the Steward Board, Stewardess Board, Women's Missionary Society, and Usher Board and as the Sunday school treasurer and a member of the choir; and

 

Whereas, she earned degrees from Denmark Technical College and Vorhees College where she studied psychology and biology.  For over thirty years, she enjoyed a professional career teaching at McCrorey-Liston School, retiring at the age of seventy; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. O'Neal served as secretary to the NAACP for several years, where she advocated for civil rights, and she served the community as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader; and

 

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, the late Hunter Clarence O'Neal, Sr., she reared ten children she had borne and one adopted son, for all of whom she was an empowering role model and loving teacher: the late Hunter O'Neal, Jr.; the late Carolyn O'Neal; Gerald O'Neal; Velma Patterson; Zelma Whitener; Leonardo O'Neal, Sr.; Valdez O'Neal, Sr.; Marques O'Neal, Sr.; Travis O'Neal, Sr.; Angeleah Weldon, and Hernandez O'Neal, Sr.; and

 

Whereas, from her children, Mrs. O'Neal was blessed to see the continuation of her loving family legacy in a myriad of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, amid her duties to her large family, her career, her God, and her community, she was able to find spare time to enjoy her hobbies of gardening, watching all sports, reading, teaching, fishing, and playing Scrabble and solitaire; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of V.E. O'Neal and for the example of service and kindness she set for all who knew her.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Vashti Ernestine Young "V.E." O'Neal of Fairfield County and extend their deepest sympathy to her large and loving family and her many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Vashti Ernestine Young "V.E." O'Neal.

----XX----