South Carolina H 4993: Rev. Dr. Lillie Burgess sympathy

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4993 Text of Previous Version (Jan. 22, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4993

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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A house RESOLUTION

to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF 
THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 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 House of Representatives 
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 House 
of Representatives 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 House of 
Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House 
of Representatives, 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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This web page was last updated on January 22, 2026 at 10:36 AM