A senate RESOLUTION

 

to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA Senate UPON THE PASSING OF Fannie Mae McElveen Geddis OF Richland COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were saddened to learn of the death of Fannie Mae McElveen Geddis at the age of sixty-six on March 15, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born in Kingstree, she was the oldest child of the late Robert Jacob McElveen and Geneva Alvina McAlister McElveen and was reared in a loving family with five siblings: Evelyn DeNeen McNellage; Fernando McElveen, Ron McElveen, the late Gregory McElveen, and the late Avis Katina McElveen; and

 

Whereas, an honor student with a deep love for learning, Fannie Geddis graduated from Kingstree Senior High School in 1977, and she blazed new trails in her family as a first-generation college student at Benedict College where she earned a degree in 1981. While an undergraduate, she served as secretary of the Student Government Association, was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, reigned as Queen of the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, and worked as a student employee in the administration of President Henry Ponder; and

 

Whereas, after graduating, she continued her service to her alma mater for nine years as an alumni tracking specialist in the Office of Alumni Affairs within Institutional Advancement. Subsequently, she embarked on what would be a decades long career at Universal Benefits Marketing Firm Inc., serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer in which capacity she oversaw the conservation department, managed the marketing department, and directed the lead department, and after thirty years of dedicated service, she retired, leaving a legacy of leadership, innovation, and impact; and

 

Whereas, dedicated to community service, Fannie Geddis was a fundraiser with the Lou-Von Family Foundation Inc., helping to generate over a hundred thousand dollars annually. She also founded her signature service initiative, "Coats for Kids," which provided more than four hundred coats to children every winter; and

 

Whereas, recognizing a need in the community, she founded and served as CEO of Infinity Diabetic Medical Supply, in order to supply medical equipment to patients in their homes over extended periods of time; and

 

Whereas, Fannie Geddis answered the call to ministry and served as pastor of Burning Bush New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, dedicating herself to the spiritual growth and development of her congregation and leading the successful renovation and preservation of this historic site as a legacy for generations to come. She extended her ministry beyond the church walls through service to the community, including organizing quarterly meal deliveries to those experiencing homelessness; and

 

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, the late Anthony "Tony" Geddis, she reared a fine daughter, Dr. Ashlye Victoria Wilkerson, who inherited and extended her love of learning. Her daughter blessed her with the affection of two loving granddaughters, Alana Victoria and Ariah Victoria Vanae; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the life and legacy of Fannie Mae McElveen Geddis and for the example of excellence and keen service she set for all who knew her. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Fannie Mae McElveen Geddis of Richland County and extend their 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 Fannie Mae McElveen Geddis.

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