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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF ESSIE MAE YOUNG LYLES OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Essie Mae Young Lyles of Columbia on June 17, 2020, at the venerable age of ninety-two; and
Whereas, a native of Richland County, she was the tenth child of eleven children born to the late Nick and Janie Young. The young Essie attended a one-room schoolhouse in Blythewood and completed the eighth grade; and
Whereas, at an early age, Mrs. Essie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and joined Round Top Baptist Church, where she was a lifelong member. At Round Top Baptist, she served as a member of the Missionary Ministry and was the longest-serving member of the Jubilee Choir, having been a part of its musical ministry for seventy years. Mrs. Essie sang with the choir until December 2019; and
Whereas, she helped her family in the house and on the farm until she began to work for the Department of Mental Health at Crafts-Farrow, where she served for thirty-four years. Upon retirement, Mrs. Essie was a capable and loving caregiver to her husband of thirty-four years, Lonnie Lyles; and
Whereas, as a widow, she led a full and active life. Among other activities, she joined the Columbia Mall Walkers, with whom she won many competitive awards. In addition, she and her sister, Sara, quilted and maintained bountiful vegetable gardens; and
Whereas, having been preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Lyles, and her oldest child, Betty Elaine Novoa, Essie Lyles leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Lovetta (W. James) Williams; a son, Odell (Brenda) Lyles; six grandchildren, Lesley (Derrick) Smith, Sena Dennis, Sean (Charwanda) Lyles, E. Dinero (Sharonda) Novoa, Lamar W. Smith, and Nicole (Kinte) Dunn; twelve great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Sara Y. McDaniel; a special niece, Melvina (David) Haigler; Mr. George Robertson, a faithful and honorable companion of twenty-seven years; and many other family members and friends who will dearly miss 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 Essie Mae Young Lyles 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 Mrs. Lovetta Williams for the family.
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