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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF MARTHA "LOIS" EARGLE, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, 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 to learn of the passing of Martha "Lois" Eargle on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at the venerable age of eighty-five; and
Whereas, born June 24, 1936, in Sumter, Lois was the daughter of the late Manson LeRoy Grooms and Retus Elizabeth Hudson Grooms. She attended St. Leos College and Coastal Carolina University, and graduated from the Institute of Government from the University of South Carolina and Clemson University; and
Whereas, among her many notable accomplishments, some of her most distinguished were in service to the State and Horry County. She was elected to House Seat 105, winning her election against an eight-year incumbent and went on to serve multiple terms, taking great pride in the work she was able to accomplish, such as getting the new Socastee Bridge put in place ten years earlier than originally planned. She later held the position of Horry County Auditor for nearly thirty years, serving from 1993 until her retirement on June 30, 2021, where she worked to implement one of her crowning achievements the Out of State Tag Program. In addition to this service, Mrs. Eargle served as president of the South Carolina Association of Countywide Elected Executives, where she was voted Countywide Elected Official of the Year; and
Whereas, with a wide variety of activities to which she dedicated her time beyond civil service, Mrs. Eargle owned and operated various businesses in industries such as real estate, restaurant, consulting, and business office machines. She was also the president of the Business and Professional Women's Association, was the first woman to serve on the board of directors for Conway Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Myrtle Beach Steering Committee. She served with the Girl Scouts; Salvation Army; Red Cross; American Cancer Society; Horry County Heart Fund; Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority; SC Committee on Criminal Justice, Crime, Juvenile Delinquency, and Court Reform; March of Dimes; Mercy Hospice; and the Good News Club, along with a multitude of other organizations which worked to benefit the State and her local community; and
Whereas, deeply invested in a life serving with the Republican Party, Mrs. Eargle was a charter member of the Myrtle Beach Republican Women's Club, chairman emeritus of the Horry County Republican Party, and chairman of the Horry County Republican Party from 1984-89 and 1992-95. In addition, she was responsible for organizing the Myrtle Beach and Little River Republican Women's Club, the Teen-Age Republican Club at Socastee High School, the College Republican Club at Coastal Carolina University, and the Young Republicans. One of the highlights of her prestigious career was meeting with President Ronald Reagan on numerous occasions, as well as serving the Regan administration by appointment; and
Whereas, loved deeply by those who knew her, she leaves to cherish her memory her children, Stephen Hugh Eargle, Gwyn Eargle Porter, Lynn Eargle Kersey, and Susan Eargle Soucy; her siblings, Bob Grooms, Ronnie Grooms, and Christine McLeod; her fourteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. Having lived a vibrant and active life in service to others, her loss will be felt tremendously as she goes to join her husband, Jack Eargle. She will undoubtedly be missed by all who had the privilege and pleasure 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 profound sorrow upon the passing of Martha "Lois" Eargle, celebrate her life and achievements, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Martha "Lois" Eargle.
This web page was last updated on December 10, 2021 at 10:56 AM