H*4799 Concurrent Resolution, By Weeks
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF LOVING MOTHER, TEACHER, AND COMFORTER, MRS.
 ESSIE VERMELL GIBSON BENBOW OF SUMTER ON FEBRUARY 15, 2002, AND TO EXTEND
 DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

   02/26/02  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-32
   02/26/02  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-9

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF LOVING MOTHER, TEACHER, AND COMFORTER, MRS. ESSIE VERMELL GIBSON BENBOW OF SUMTER ON FEBRUARY 15, 2002, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly were deeply saddened to learn of the death of such a model South Carolinian as Essie Vermell Gibson Benbow of Sumter on February 15, 2002; and

Whereas, Essie Benbow was born in Davis Station to the late Reverend Benjamin J. Hodge and Rosa Dukes and was later adopted by her mother's second husband, James Columbus Hodge; and

Whereas, Mrs. Benbow graduated as valedictorian from the Kendall Institute for High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morris College and a Masters in Education from South Carolina State University; and

Whereas, Mrs. Benbow inspired students when she taught elementary school for thirty-seven years before retiring in 1971; and

Whereas, Essie Benbow was a devoted Christian who was very active at Union Station A.M.E. Church, where she served as Sunday School Teacher, Director of Vacation Bible School, Trustee, and a member of the Stewardess and Missionary Boards; and

Whereas, Essie Benbow will be greatly missed and forever remembered in the hearts of many for her positive influence, indomitable spirit, boundless wisdom, and unqualified philanthropy; and

Whereas, Essie Vermell Gibson Benbow is survived by two sons, Nathaniel and Michael; three daughters, Artrell Benbow Brown, Ethel Mae Logan, and Frances Linton Brunson; foster children, the Reverend and Mrs. Robert R. Hooper, James H. Taylor, Pansy C. Littles, Michelle Wright Holland, Carrie Dell Hinnant, William and Gloria Manning, Jackie D. Gray; a daughter-in-law, Flora J. McInnis; a sister-in-law, Ruby Gibson; nineteen grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly express their profound sorrow upon the death of loving mother, teacher, and comforter, Mrs. Essie Vermell Gibson Benbow of Sumter on February 15, 2002, and extend deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the family of Mrs. Essie Vermell Gibson Benbow of Sumter.