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TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE REVEREND DOCTOR LILLIE A. BURGESS ON THE OCCASION OF HER SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY TO BE CELEBRATED ON JUNE 16, 2018, AND TO WISH HER MANY MORE YEARS OF HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS.
Whereas, the Senate is pleased to learn that Reverend Dr. Lillie A. Burgess, an associate professor of comparative religion and biblical studies in the Department of Social Sciences and Criminal Justice at Benedict College, will be celebrating her seventieth birthday on June 16, 2018; and
Whereas, in preparation for her distinguished career in academia, Lillie Burgess received her master's and bachelor's degrees in Christian education with a concentration in biblical studies from Columbia International University, and she earned a doctoral degree in comparative religion with a concentration in Islamic studies from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio; and
Whereas, Rev. Dr. Burgess, in the Benedict College spirit, serves the college as lead professor for the religion and philosophy discipline, and 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. She also has authored three articles, "Living Above Circumstances," "A Lady Called Mosette," and "Pass It On"; and
Whereas, in recognition of her countless contributions to the Palmetto State, Rev. Dr. Burgess has earned many prestigious accolades including The Order of the Palmetto, the A & T Teachers of Excellence Award, the Red Cross Hero Award for Haiti Release emphasis, the Theta Alpha Kappa Advisor of the Year 2009-2010; and the 2017 Mamie L. Duckett Award for her contributions and support in assisting and providing quality education for the students of Benedict College, among others; and
Whereas, her commitment to higher education was honored at her alma mater, Columbia International University, with the establishment of the Rev. Dr. Lillie A. Burgess Scholarship to help African-American students earn a quality education; and
Whereas, Rev. Dr. Burgess serves as an associate minister at the Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church, where her contributions include service as advisor of the Young Women's Association, historian of the Senior Missionary, and coordinator and leader of foreign missions of twenty-five short-term trips to Kenya, East Africa, Tanzania, and South Africa; and
Whereas, although she earned distinction for her academic and pastoral endeavors, Rev. Dr. Burgess's greatest pride comes from her loving family. She has been the loving wife of Deacon McArthur Burgess for the past fifty years, and is the proud mother of three treasured children, Frederick, Quinn, and Joycelyn. Additionally, she is the grandmother of three cherished grandchildren, Kelly, Jeremy, and Alissa, and the great-grandmother of an adored great-grandson, Justin Anthony; and
Whereas, Rev. Dr. Lillie A. Burgess truly lives her life for the Lord and thanks Him for the rich experiences He has given her throughout her lifetime and for the Godly heritage that she has had. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and celebrate Reverend Doctor Lillie A. Burgess on the occasion of her seventieth birthday to be celebrated on June 16, 2018, and wish her many more years of happiness and success.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dr. Lillie A. Burgess.
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