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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF SHELLEY JOHNSON OF ST. GEORGE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Shelley Johnson of St. George on February 9, 2009, at the venerable age of one hundred six; and
Whereas, a native of the Shady Grove community of Dorchester County, Shelley Johnson, known to family and friends as Shell, was born on November 10, 1902, to Stephen and Annie Williams Johnson and received his education in the Dorchester County public schools; and
Whereas, for a time, Mr. Johnson lived and worked in Asheville, North Carolina, and helped build the famous Biltmore House. A farmer, he also worked at St. George Tree and Plant Nursery until his retirement; and
Whereas, as a gifted musician, for forty-two years Shell Johnson summoned many campers to worship at Shady Grove and Indian Field campgrounds with his horn. Many can still visualize him blowing the six-foot-long instrument, which resembles the trumpets blown by heralds in ancient times; and
Whereas, in 1994, the State of South Carolina recognized Mr. Johnson as an outstanding community leader and accordingly named the road he lived on Johnson Horn Road in his honor; and
Whereas, Mr. Johnson was a dedicated member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, where he served as a class leader and member of the United Methodist Men and sang in the choir. He will always be remembered for his powerful prayers and leadership of spirit-filled songs in the church; and
Whereas, with his dear wife, the late Clarice Johnson, they raised a fine family of eleven children, six of whom, Richmond, Wilford, Lucille, Rosalyn, Theodore, and Ophelia, predeceased him; and
Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory daughters Cealie J. Goodwin and Lavern J. Thorne; sons Shelley, Jr., Jerome, and Timothy Johnson; twenty-five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed. 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 Shelley Johnson of St. George, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Shelley Johnson, Jr., for the family.
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