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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF REVEREND DR. WILLIE EDWIN GIVENS, JR. AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Dr. Willie Edwin Givens, Jr. on Friday, March 22, 2019 at the age of eighty-five; and
Whereas, a native of Charleston, Reverend Dr. Willie Edwin Givens, Jr. was born on December 7, 1933 as the oldest son of the late Willie E. Givens, Sr. and the late Hattie Coleman Givens. He was an alumnus of Palmer College, where he earned an Associate of Arts in General Education; Charleston Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Southern Bible Seminary, where he earned a Master of Theology; and Morris College, where he earned a Doctor of Divinity; and
Whereas, Reverend Givens began his spiritual journey at Salem Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and deacon and where he was ordained as a minister. He served as pastor for First Missionary Baptist Church in Summerville for forty-three years and in a number of other roles, including as Moderator of the Charleston County Baptist Association, President of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Brotherhood Convention, President of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, and first Vice President of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. He was known for his mission work and monumental fundraising efforts; and
Whereas, an active civic leader with a strong propensity for justice, Reverend Givens served as the first Vice President of the Charleston Branch of the NAACP and with many state and community organizations, including the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Board; National Bank of South Carolina Board; Community Reinvestment Board of BB&T Bank; Advisory Board of the First Steps State Educational Program; YMCA of Charleston; Jenkins Orphanage; Robert Guild Boys Club; Charleston County Board of Tax Assessment and Control; Santee Cooper Board of Directors; Benedict College Board of Trustees; Morris College Board of Trustees; Gothic Lodge #212 Free and Accepted Masonry; and Beta Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and
Whereas, over the years, Reverend Givens received a number of honors and awards, including the Order of the Palmetto, the highest award that can be bestowed upon a South Carolina citizen; and
Whereas, Reverend Givens was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife Juanita H. Givens; his parents, Willie E. Givens, Sr. and Hattie C. Givens; and his younger brother, Gussie Givens; and
Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory his four children, Edwin Givens (Karel), Darrell Givens, Dexter Givens, and Dr. Sharon L. Givens; one granddaughter, Kendall J. Givens; three sisters-in-law, Louvenia Prince, Annie Thompkins, and Carrie Harrison; and many cousins and friends who will dearly miss him; and
Whereas, Reverend Givens was a man of dignity, truth, and honor who served God, his family, his church, and his community. The contributions that he made during his lifetime will continue to have a significant impact for many years to come. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Reverend Dr. Willie Edwin Givens, Jr. and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Reverend Dr. Willie Edwin Givens, Jr.
This web page was last updated on March 27, 2019 at 12:51 PM