A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF LaTrell Vonthreece Harts OF richland COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of LaTrell Vonthreece Harts at the age of fifty-seven on June 20, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born in Columbia on March 31, 1969, she was the daughter of Mary Smith Harts and the late Johnnie Harts and was reared in a loving home with two siblings; and

 

Whereas, a graduate of A.C. Flora High School in 1987, LaTrell Harts continued her education at Spartanburg Methodist College, and after transferring to Benedict College, earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2010. Inspired by her love of reading and her deep compassion for others, she later earned a master's degree in library and information science and became a librarian; and

 

Whereas, she worked for Richland County School District One as an instructional assistant and media center assistant at Columbia High School from 2006 to 2023 before becoming a parent and family engagement specialist in 2025. Her commitment to students and families earned her recognition as Classified Employee of the Year at Columbia High School in 2018-2019; and

 

Whereas, a consummate professional, LaTrell Harts also was a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) and worked with Integrity Tax Service. Throughout her career, she was employed at CM Tucker; Saint John Preschool, which later became Saint John Preparatory School; and Saint John Baptist Church; and

 

Whereas, an active member of Saint John Baptist Church in Columbia, she joyfully volunteered with numerous ministries, including YWAs, SJBC Food Pantry, Budget Committee, Repast Committee, Rogers/Wallace/Counts/Geter Family Ministry Unit Coordinator, Gardening Committee, Parking Lot Ministry, and Mixed Ensemble. She also served faithfully on the Saint John Baptist Church Trustee Board and as chairperson of the Transportation Ministry and was nominated for the Silent Servant Award in 2025 by the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Association; and

 

Whereas, devoted to her community, LaTrell Harts served on the City of Columbia Planning Commission for six years, the Urban Design Review Commission for the City of Columbia, and earlier as chairman of the Trustee Board at Pleasant Rock Baptist Church; and

 

Whereas, she loved watching things grow: flowers, gardens, and especially children. Her personality displayed a blend of creativity, spirituality, and emotional depth. A gifted cook, she delighted in trying and sharing new recipes at church and family gatherings. She loved reading, traveling, and cheering for her beloved Buffalo Bills and South Carolina Gamecocks. She adored dogs, especially Rottweilers, and her quick wit and warm Southern charm could brighten any room; and

 

Whereas, LaTrell Harts was dedicated to her family and a wide circle of friends and leaves to cherish her memory, among others, her mother and a sister, Renee Wilson. She was predeceased by her father, Johnnie W. Harts, and brother, Reverend Kelvin Harts; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of LaTrell Harts and for the example of joy and warmth 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 LaTrell Vonthreece Harts of Richland County and extend their deepest sympathy to her large and loving family and her many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of LaTrell Vonthreece Harts.

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