A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CLARA THOMAS WILLIAMS OF FLORENCE, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Clara Thomas Williams of Florence on February 13, 2023, at the venerable age of seventy-nine; and

Whereas, born the daughter of the Reverend Edward Hezekiah Thomas, Sr., and Lillian McCoy Thomas, Clara Thomas Williams came into this world on July 29, 1943. She received her early education in the public schools of Florence County and graduated from Benedict College with a major in French and a minor in English. During her professional teaching career of twenty-seven years, she taught in the secondary public schools of Florence and Darlington counties (Mayo, Darlington, Wilson, and Bennettsville high schools) as a certified French and English teacher. In addition, she was a former military spouse who taught military personnel and international students in Taipei, Taiwan; and

Whereas, while teaching, she sponsored many student trips to France and Canada and taught literacy and cake decorating at Poyner Adult Education School in Florence. For her dedication as a teacher, she received the Time Warner Cable Star Teacher Award (2000); and

Whereas, in addition, while she was a small business owner, Clara Thomas Williams sold novelty gifts and provided various classes in arts and crafts and foreign languages at Claire's House of Gifts; and

Whereas, this woman of faith found her spiritual home at St. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a trustee, missionary, adult Sunday School teacher, and member of St. John Women's Convention Scholarship Committee. She also volunteered and sponsored community service for students to serve at the Manna House Shelter in Florence, helped with voter registration and voter transport, served as a Florence 10 precinct poll worker, and was an officer with the Northwest Park Community Association in Florence; and

Whereas, further, Clara Thomas Williams served in many capacities in the Florence section of NCNW. She was president, treasurer, and organizer of the annual Harambee/Honoree Initiative, coordinator of the annual Santa Claus Store that opened each December to benefit needy residents, and chair of the Decorating Committee and the Scholarship Committee. Most recently, she served as second vice president; and

Whereas, Clara Thomas Williams leaves to cherish her memory her three children, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of other family members and friends. She will be missed. 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 Clara Thomas Williams of Florence, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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