South Carolina H 5576: Pelion High School 2024-2025- Teacher of the Year – Robert Arcovio

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5576 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 23, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5576

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE SYMPATHY OF THE SOUTH 
CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MELODY ISAIZESICA 
PEACTRISE EDWARDS PATTEN AND TO HONOR HER LIFE AND LEGACY WITH GRATITUDE FOR 
HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO HER COMMUNITY AND THIS STATE. 

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the 
passing of Melody Isaizesica Peactrise Edwards Patten, who departed this life 
on Friday, April 17, 2026, and who is now resting in the peace and presence of 
Almighty God; and

Whereas, Melody was a 
proud native of Columbia whose life was marked by love, service, and devotion 
to her family and community; and

Whereas, Melody was a 
devoted daughter to her kind-hearted mother, Irma Jones Edwards, and a daddy's 
girl to the late Deacon Isaiah Edwards; a loving, devoted, and dedicated wife 
to her soulmate, Captain Charles Patten of the Columbia Fire Department; a strong, 
encouraging, and understanding momma to Seth, age twenty-one; Camdynn, age 
fourteen; Carrington, age twelve; and Carleigh, age eight; and a loving and 
supportive sister to Eulie, Kimbert, Robert, and her beloved eldest sister, 
Elder Tresa; she was also grateful for the support of her Auntie San Jones 
Richardson, who lived in the home with her family and assisted with caregiving; 
and

Whereas, Melody 
faithfully served her community for over twenty years with the South Carolina 
Department of Social Services and the South Carolina Department of Disabilities 
and Special Needs, demonstrating compassion and diligence, and further served 
as a servant-leader through the Families Helping Families project, Bread of 
Heaven Mission Ministry, and as founder and CEO of Next Level Up Inc., a 
professional development ministry focused on life development skills; and she 
also served faithfully as an armor bearer in her local church, Miracle 
Deliverance Outreach Ministries of Elgin, for Apostle Gwendolyn C. Taylor and 
Pastor Willie F. Taylor, always willing to uplift and support others where she 
could; and

Whereas, Melody found 
joy in writing, reading, traveling, and, most of all, spending cherished time 
with her children and family, creating lasting memories rooted in love; and

Whereas, Melody's life 
was a reflection of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith, leaving an 
indelible mark on all who knew her; and although Almighty God, in His infinite 
wisdom, has called His faithful servant, Melody Isaizesica Peactrise Edwards Patten, 
from labor to reward and home to Himself, her spirit, love, and works shall 
forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. 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 sympathy upon the 
passing of Melody Isaizesica Peactrise Edwards Patten and honor her life and 
legacy, with gratitude for her contributions to her community and this State.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this 
resolution be presented to the family of Melody Isaizesica Peactrise Edwards 
Patten.

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This web page was last updated on April 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM