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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CLAUDIA ELAINE SEABORN COLLINS, A NATIVE OF GREENVILLE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Claudia Elaine Seaborn Collins, a Greenville native, on January 2, 2020; and
Whereas, born in Greenville on June 17, 1953, Claudia Elaine was the child of Ruby Seaborn and Clyde Johnson. Known fondly as Elaine by her family, she accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and was a beacon for Him her entire life; and
Whereas, she was raised in Rochester, New York, where she graduated from Madison High School, later earning an associate of science in computer science at Monroe Community College; and
Whereas, Elaine was the mother of one child, Tara, whom she adored. They moved to Webster, New York, after she secured a position at Xerox Corporation. In 1978, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and soon acquired a position with Lockheed Martin, where she worked for nineteen years. During that time, she married the love of her life, Bishop Lawrence Collins, Sr.; and
Whereas, Bishop and his bride were pastor and first lady of New Hope Christian Fellowship Church for many years. They enjoyed short getaways during which Elaine could do what she loved, which was being near the ocean and hiding away in a cozy bed and breakfast. Then she decided to make a change that would take her on the ride of her life: She left her job and opened a bed and breakfast in Savannah, Georgia. During the years she spent in Savannah, she was named Georgia Woman of the Year, and she prepared for her next adventure; and
Whereas, Elaine moved to Charleston in 2003 and was again near the ocean she loved. Always civic-minded, she co-hosted a radio show and a television show, became more involved in politics, served as an active member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and hospice; and
Whereas, about 2010, she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, with the hope of getting back into the hospitality industry. She accepted jobs here and there in that industry but in 2013 began working for the Carver Hotel Group as a task force sales consultant. She loved traveling and working all over the country and worked for Carver until she became ill; and
Whereas, she was deeply passionate about her family. She loved Tara and the grandchildren, and her mom was the apple of her eye. The two of them would get in the kitchen and cook together; and
Whereas, Claudia Elaine encouraged all who knew her to love God first. She had a heart of gold and would help any unfortunate soul. Her legacy is her consistent example of a life of kindness; and
Whereas, predeceased by her husband, Bishop Lawrence Collins, Sr., as well as by her father, Clyde Johnson, and her sister, Lonita Johnson, Elaine leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Tara Seaborn-Panu; her mother, Ruby Seaborn; her brother, William (Regina) Pepper; her sisters, Anita (Ed) Wilburn, Linda Johnson, Lenora (Will) Bell, Natalie Payne, and Carolyn Irby; her stepdaughter, Jacqueline Collins; her adored grandchildren and dear great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. She will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing 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 Claudia Elaine Seaborn Collins, a native of Greenville, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Tara Seaborn-Panu for the family.
This web page was last updated on January 21, 2020 at 2:04 PM