A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Tami LaNell Abel, a Visionary Leader and Compassionate Mentor from Richland COUNTY, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER lOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Tami LaNell Abel; and

 

Whereas, born on August 7, 1963, Tami was the elder daughter of Mary Jackson Abel and the late Melvin S. Abel, and she was reared in Richland County in a loving home with her only sibling Teri O. Abel. She was educated in the local public schools, displaying natural intelligence and determination from a young age and graduating with honors from Eau Claire High School in 1981; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Abel earned a bachelor's degree in communication and journalism from the University of South Carolina in 1985, and following graduation, she began her career with Britton's Clothing Store, where she became known for her interpersonal skills and professionalism; and

 

Whereas, she later served as a sales consultant with Johnson & Johnson and continued to build a strong reputation in the business world. In 1996, she began a longstanding and successful career with BellSouth, later AT&T, where her work ethic and leadership continued to be recognized; and

 

Whereas, during her tenure at AT&T, Ms. Abel led enterprise-wide customer operations to the highest level, developing communication strategies, launching enterprise dashboards, and ensuring compliance while never losing sight of the human side of leadership. She retired from AT&T in 2022 and was just beginning to enjoy retirement life; and

 

Whereas, whether steering customer operations at Fortune 100 companies or nurturing the growth of startups and small businesses, she brought vision, integrity, and tireless commitment to every endeavor and led with purpose and strategy; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Abel was a master of program and change management, known for turning complex challenges into seamless, collaborative successes. She led with precision and foresight, whether integrating mergers, transforming service operations, or building real-time dashboards that guided strategic decisions and regulatory integrity; and

 

Whereas, she was a mentor, a builder of careers, and a guide for those seeking direction. As a servant leader, she invested in the growth and success of others, opening doors to opportunity and advancement. She leaves not just achievements, but a trail of inspired individuals and stronger organizations; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Abel was an active member of Francis Burns United Methodist Church until her career led her out of State. An avid traveler, she visited France, South Africa, China, Dubai, Australia,  Mexico and beyond; and 

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Tami Abel and for the example of service and dedication she set for all who knew 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 Tami LaNell Abel, a visionary leader and compassionate mentor from Richland County, and extend deepest sympathy to her loving family and her many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Tami LaNell Abel.

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