South Carolina H 4859: Deputy Thomas Humanik Medal of Valor recipient

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4859 Text of Previous Version (Jan. 14, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4859

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 PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF VERNESE CASSANDRA LACEY OF 
COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing 
of Vernese Cassandra Lacey of Columbia on December 1, 2025, at the venerable 
age of eighty-six; and

Whereas, born in 
Bennettsville on May 18, 1939, Vernese Cassandra Lacey (affectionately known as 
"Lil Sister") came into this world the daughter of the late Ila Harley Ward and 
Hezikiah Ward Sr. Her father was the last living World War I veteran in South Carolina 
when he passed away on February 27, 1996; and

Whereas, the young 
Vernese attended the public schools of Marlboro County, later studying at 
Brooklyn College and New York Community College in New York for her educational 
enrichment; and

Whereas, this woman of 
faith accepted Christ at an early age and joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 
where she served using her musical gifts in the choir and with the piano, as 
well as in other roles. During her years in New York, she served the Lord at 
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church and the Church of New Beginnings in Brooklyn; and

Whereas, in God's good 
time, she met and married Harvey John Lacey, the Lord blessing the couple with 
a fine family of three sons, Kevin, Kenny, and Vernon. Her husband passed away 
on August 26, 2016; and

Whereas, Vernese was a 
loving, giving, and passionate servant within the New York City Board of 
Education system for thirty years. She served in many roles as an educator, 
particularly in the special education realm, in which she excelled. Possessing 
a unique and magical way of reaching children with special needs, she also used 
her uncanny charisma and charm to win over the hearts of her peers and 
supervisors. Vernese further used this skill set to serve organizations such as 
the Cultural Institution of New York until she reached retirement; and

Whereas, always sharply 
dressed, witty, and vivacious, Vernese could win over a room full of friends 
and foes alike just by smiling; and

Whereas, Mrs. Lacey 
leaves to cherish her memory her three sons, Kevin Lacey of Texas, Kenny Lacey 
(Dawn) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Vernon Lacey of Brooklyn, New York; two 
grandchildren, Brandon Alexander Lacey of Columbia and Krystle Marie Lacey of 
Clemson; and a host of nieces and nephews, who will forever treasure her love, 
wit, and beautiful smile. She will be greatly missed. 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 Vernese 
Cassandra Lacey of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and 
many friends.

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

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This web page was last updated on January 14, 2026 at 03:10 PM