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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF EMILIE DEMOSTHENES THEODORE OF GREENVILLE COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was saddened to learn of the death of Emilie Demosthenes Theodore at the age of ninety-one on October 29, 2020; and
Whereas, born on June 10, 1929, she was the only child of Nick and Angela Demosthenes who immigrated from Greece in the early 1900s and who little imagined that their daughter would serve with honor as South Carolina's Second Lady from 1987-1995; and
Whereas, Mrs. Theodore graduated from Savannah High School in Georgia and was the Savannah City champion tennis player. A gifted artist, as well as a superb athlete, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, Savannah campus; and
Whereas, a lifelong, devoted member of the Greek Orthodox faith, she first met Nick Andrew Theodore in 1948 while attending a youth basketball rally with her church hosted by the Sons of Pericles chapter of Greenville's St. George Greek Orthodox Church; and
Whereas, after an extended courtship, the couple married on April 24, 1955, and celebrated sixty-five years of marriage before her death. Together they reared three fine children: Andrew Nick Theodore; Angel Theodore Tollison, and Stefi Theodore Taylor; and
Whereas, their children blessed them with twelve adoring grandchildren who affectionately called her "Yia Yia": Nick Theodore II, Rossi Green, Georgia Williams, Jack Theodore, Walt Tollison IV, Emilie Blanchard, Gray Tollison, Thea Tollison, Smyth Taylor, Robert Taylor, Nicholas Taylor, and Kaytina Taylor. She was blessed to see the continuation of her loving family legacy in four great-grandchildren: John McAllister Green, Nancy James Tollison, Andrew Nicholas Theodore II, and Emilie Harper Blanchard; and
Whereas, Mr. Theodore was elected to serve in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1963 to 1966 and 1970 to 1978, in the Senate from 1967 to 1968 and from 1981 to 1986, and as the state's lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1995. During her husband's service to the State, Mrs. Theodore became a public servant in her own right, creating a State coloring book for children to depict memorable and historical places and composing campaign-related cookbooks, Theodore's Tasty Treats, that promoted good food and good government; and
Whereas, dedicated to her community, she served as a chairperson or board member to a variety of local and statewide organizations, such as Palmetto Cabinet, Winthrop University, and the University of South Carolina Medical School, and she was an ardent supporter of the Greenville Symphony, South Carolina Children's Theater, and The Carolina Ballet; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the life and legacy of Emilie Theodore and for her infectious love of life and the example of service and devotion 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 Emilie Demosthenes Theodore of Greenville County and extend their deepest sympathy to her large and loving family and her many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Emilie Demosthenes Theodore.
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