A senate RESOLUTION

 

to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA Senate UPON THE PASSING OF rEVEREND dR. Lillie a. bURGESS OF Richland COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY and church members AND to HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were saddened to learn of the death of Lillie Burgess on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. One of six children born to the late John and Eloise Thomas, she was reared in a loving home with five siblings; and

 

Whereas, in preparation for her distinguished career in academia, Dr. Burgess earned a bachelor's degree in Bible and church ministries and a master's degree in Christian education and biblical studies from Columbia International University and a doctorate in comparative religion with a concentration in Islamic religion at Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio; and

 

Whereas, a faithful member of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Columbia, she served there as an associate minister, advising and serving as president of the Senior Women Mission team and as president of the Foreign Mission board. She also served as president of the Gethsemane Women and she led thirty-three volunteer foreign mission teams to East Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Africa; South Africa; Haiti; and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; and

 

Whereas, through these missions, Dr. Burgess became a prominent speaker on enhancing spiritual growth and international religious studies, using her firsthand knowledge of East African religious landscapes to educate audiences in the United States; and

 

Whereas, recognized for her contributions to higher education, she was a professor of philosophy and religion at Benedict College for twenty years in the Social Sciences and Criminal Justice Department at Benedict College, developing curricula, such as Foundations of Christian Education and Synoptic Gospels. She became the first female campus minister in the 150-year history at Benedict College; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Burgess served as advisor to Theta Alpha Kappa, the Religion and Philosophy National Honor Society, the Club for Religious Studies and Theology, and the Benedict Byrd Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Her commitment to higher education was honored at her alma mater, Columbia International University, with the establishment of the Reverend Dr. Lillie A. Burgess Scholarship to help African American students earn a quality education; and

 

Whereas, in 2010, her extensive work was honored with the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian award. She received the AT&T Teachers of Excellence achievement award and was named a Red Cross Hero for her efforts in raising funds during the Haiti earthquake relief campaign; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Burgess was honored for leading fundraising efforts for foreign missions, including the Midlands Baptist Church Community Foreign Missions Award, and for successful campaigns at Benedict College, most notably for leading the Campaign of Women's Association who contributed the largest amount for the 2015 Founder's Day; and

 

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, the late Deacon McArthur Burgess, she reared three fine children: Fredrick, Quinn, and Joycelyn. Blessed with the affection of three loving grandchildren: Kelly, Jeremy, and Alissa Rivera, she enjoyed two great-grandchildren, Justin Bartley and Leira Burgess; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Burgess authored three articles: "Living above Circumstances," "A Lady Called Mosette," and "Pass It On." She lived for the Lord and thanked Him for her rich experiences and her godly heritage. The South Carolina Senate is grateful for the life and legacy of Lillie Burgess and for the example of service and the standard of excellence 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 Reverend Dr. Lillie A. Burgess of Richland County and extend their deepest sympathy to her loving family and church members and to her many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Reverend Dr. Lillie A. Burgess.

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