A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF VERNESE CASSANDRA LACEY OF COLUMBIA 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 Vernese Cassandra Lacey of Columbia on December 1, 2025, at the venerable age of eighty-six; and

 

Whereas, born in Bennettsville on May 18, 1939, Vernese Cassandra Lacey (affectionately known as "Lil Sister") came into this world the daughter of the late Ila Harley Ward and Hezikiah Ward Sr. Her father was the last living World War I veteran in South Carolina when he passed away on February 27, 1996; and

 

Whereas, the young Vernese attended the public schools of Marlboro County, later studying at Brooklyn College and New York Community College in New York for her educational enrichment; and

 

Whereas, this woman of faith accepted Christ at an early age and joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where she served using her musical gifts in the choir and with the piano, as well as in other roles. During her years in New York, she served the Lord at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church and the Church of New Beginnings in Brooklyn; and

 

Whereas, in God's good time, she met and married Harvey John Lacey, the Lord blessing the couple with a fine family of three sons, Kevin, Kenny, and Vernon. Her husband passed away on August 26, 2016; and

 

Whereas, Vernese was a loving, giving, and passionate servant within the New York City Board of Education system for thirty years. She served in many roles as an educator, particularly in the special education realm, in which she excelled. Possessing a unique and magical way of reaching children with special needs, she also used her uncanny charisma and charm to win over the hearts of her peers and supervisors. Vernese further used this skill set to serve organizations such as the Cultural Institution of New York until she reached retirement; and

 

Whereas, always sharply dressed, witty, and vivacious, Vernese could win over a room full of friends and foes alike just by smiling; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Lacey leaves to cherish her memory her three sons, Kevin Lacey of Texas, Kenny Lacey (Dawn) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Vernon Lacey of Brooklyn, New York; two grandchildren, Brandon Alexander Lacey of Columbia and Krystle Marie Lacey of Clemson; and a host of nieces and nephews, who will forever treasure her love, wit, and beautiful smile. She 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 Vernese Cassandra Lacey of Columbia 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.

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