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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF ELIJAH KINGSTON "E.K." BEST OF LEE COUNTY, WHO PASSED AWAY ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly were deeply saddened by the death of Elijah Kingston "E.K." Best of Lynchburg on Tuesday, December 17, 2002, at the age of eighty-five; and
Whereas, Mr. Best was born in Aynor on January 22, 1917, to Richard and Frances DeWitt Best. He attended Aynor public schools and joined Elizabeth Baptist Church in his youth. Mr. Best later moved to Lee County, where he joined King Emanuel Baptist Church and served as Sunday school teacher and superintendent of Sunday school; and
Whereas, Mr. Best was one of the founding members of the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in 1962. He served as superintendent for thirty-eight years and as chairman of the deacon board ministry until his death; and
Whereas, Mr. Best's community contributions include the Lee County Department of Agriculture, The Farm Bureau Agency, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Lee County Council on Aging. He was also on the Black River Board of Directors, and secretary of the Wateree Association Sunday School Congress of Christian Education, L.D.; and
Whereas, Mr. Best was a charter member of the Do-Right Masonic Lodge Number Three Hundred Seventy-Seven, where he served for thirty years as the first worshipful master, and received the honor of a thirty-second degree Mason. He organized and was a charter member of the queen of Lynchburg Chapter Number Two Hundred Forty-Seven order of the Eastern Star and held the office of deputy at large until his death; and
Whereas, the General Assembly extends its sympathy to the family and many friends of Elijah Kingston "E.K." Best. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Johnson Best, two sons, Reginal A. Best and Ronald I. Best and his wife Marie; a sister, Dorothy Best; a grandchild, Ronald Kingston Best; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by six brothers, the Reverend Leroy Best, Senior, Coleman Best, Gaston Best, Richard Best, Junior, Delton Best, Senior, Jobe Best; and two sisters, Roddah Mouzone and Golda Winns. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the death of Elijah Kingston "E.K." Best of Lee County on Tuesday, December 17, 2002, and extend deepest sympathy to his loving family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Carolyn Johnson Best of Lynchburg.
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