A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS the SINCERE SORROW OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Eartha "Nell" Fuller OF Orangeburg COUNTY AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Eartha "Nell" Fuller at the age of eighty-five on July 14, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born in Calhoun County on March 6, 1941, she was the oldest child born to Pralow Spigner and Zettie Stephens Spigner and was reared in a loving family with siblings the late Louise "Wease" Williams, the late Jerome Spigner, and Rosa Smith. Her sister Mamie, died at the age of one; and

 

Whereas, while Mrs. Fuller was still a young girl, the family relocated to Orangeburg, and Nell graduated from Wilkinson High School in 1959. She enrolled at South Carolina State College, but she put those plans on hold to help her mother care for her sister's children; and

 

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, the late Lynwood Fuller Sr., she reared fine children: Regina Fuller, Lynwood Fuller Jr., Glen Fuller, and Donté Fuller. They blessed her with the affection of five loving grandchildren: Dwon Peace, Glen Desha Peace, April Parker, Ashley Parker, and Aubree Fuller. She was blessed to see the continuation of her family legacy in her great-grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, in order to supplement the family's income while remaining present for them, Mrs. Fuller sold Avon, a practical decision that spanned over fifty years and earned her the rank of  a VIP Star. She became known in Orangeburg County as "The Avon Lady." More than a successful business, Avon showed her to be a woman of integrity, dependability, and dedication; and

 

Whereas, after her two oldest children graduated from high school, Mrs. Fuller returned to college to finish the education she had postponed in order to help her family. She earned a bachelor of arts and a master of arts, which led to one of the greatest callings of her life, using her gift for helping children. She became a licensed therapeutic foster parent through South Carolina Mentor, opening her home and heart to children facing extraordinary challenges for more than thirty years. She provided stability, guidance, accountability, and above all, unconditional love; and

 

Whereas, she served on the Foster Care Review Board, advocating for the safety and well-being of vulnerable children throughout South Carolina and was recognized by two governors of South Carolina. She was dedicated to children whose futures depended on thoughtful and compassionate advocacy. After completing her graduate studies, Mrs. Fuller had become a member of the Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., which was never about prestige, but was another opportunity to serve, following the sorority's motto of "Scholarship.  Sisterhood.  Service"; and

 

Whereas, her spiritual journey had begun at Emancipation Baptist Church, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She later united with Greater Zion Baptist Church, serving as church secretary and trustee and as secretary of the Mt. Olive Baptist Association with excellence and humility. When her grown children asked her to move her church membership closer to family, Mrs. Fuller joined Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. She served in the choir and missionary ministry with the same loving service that defined her faith because she believed serving Christ was expressed by serving others; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Fuller was devoted to strengthening her community through organizations dedicated to education, civic responsibility, and family well-being, as well as through voter education and civic participation. She became her family's historian, storyteller, and keeper of its legacy; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the life and legacy of Nell Fuller and for the example of loving service and devotion 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 sincere sorrow upon the passing of Eartha "Nell" Fuller of Orangeburg County and extend deepest sympathy to her loving family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Eartha "Nell" Fuller.

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