A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA general assembly UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE BEVERLY D. CLYBURN OF AIKEN COUNTY, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND LEGACY, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Beverly D. Clyburn, on January 30, 2026, at the venerable age of 81. A beloved wife, mother, and public servant, she left a lasting legacy on the many lives she was fortunate to touch; and

 

Whereas, Beverly Laverne Dozier was born August 11, 1944, in Georgetown County, a daughter of William and Maggie Dozier. She graduated from Howard High School, received her bachelor's degree from Allen University in Columbia, and a master's degree from the University of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, at Allen University she met the love of her life, fellow student William Clyburn. They were married on January 13, 1964, a union that lasted sixty-two years and produced three children, sons William Jr. and Wilson Anthony, and daughter Courtney; and

 

Whereas, after graduation, Beverly and William Clyburn settled in the City of Aiken where they taught at Martha Schofield High School, forging what would become a decades-long calling with roles in Aiken and Allendale counties. She retired as a guidance director from South Aiken High School in 1999. A loving and devoted educator, she made a lasting impact on generations of students and their families; and

 

Whereas, she carried this same compassion and dedication to public service. First elected to the Aiken City Council in 1988 to represent District 1, she retired in 2011 serving twenty-three years that included a term as Mayor Pro Tem. She was instrumental in putting forth a plan for the redevelopment of North Aiken and was honored for her work in chairing the first four NLC Diversity Breakfasts. Her legacy of service lives through the Beverly D. Clyburn Generations Park; and

 

Whereas, the charter president and a platinum alumna member of The Aiken (SC) Chapter of The Links Incorporated, Mrs. Clyburn served in various capacities during her thirty-seven-year membership. Among her most significant contributions are the Ebony Fashion Fair shows, golf scholarship tournaments, the Festival of Trees and Wreaths, and the annual Senior Recognition Program, which offers scholarships to local high school seniors; and

 

Whereas, a cherished member and former president of the Aiken Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Mrs. Clyburn led with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Her commitment to public service was a reflection of her heart for people and progress and a true example of what a Delta woman stood for; and

 

Whereas, in 2001, she was honored by the South Carolina General Assembly for her work in Aiken and Allendale counties and the State of South Carolina. She also was named a local Teacher of the Year and Woman of Distinction by Cumberland AME Church, where she worshipped and served; and

 

Whereas, with much of her life spent in the public's eye, the roles she most enjoyed were wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves to cherish her memory her dear husband, the Honorable William Clyburn Sr., sons William Clyburn Jr. and Wilson Anthony Clyburn, daughter, the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Courtney Clyburn Pope, grandchildren Cristin Clyburn, William Clyburn III, CJ Proctor, Lauren Pope, and George Pope IV, and a host of other loving family members and friends; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are grateful for the life and legacy of Beverly D. Clyburn, for her resolve in the field of education, and for her steadfast dedication to a life of public service. A pillar of the community, she will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Beverly D. Clyburn of Aiken County, celebrate her life and legacy, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to her husband, the Honorable State Representative William Clyburn Sr.

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