A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FRANCINA B. HERNE FOR HER MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES AS SHE CONTINUES TO SERVE IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. Having spent many years working to enhance the lives of others, Francina B. Herne exemplifies such South Carolinians; and

Whereas, over the course of her career, Ms. Herne served the people of Charleston at the City of Charleston Department of Recreation, from which she retired fifteen years ago after more than thirty years of service; and

Whereas, because she believes strongly in active participation in her community, Francina B. Herne has been involved in various community organizations. She volunteered with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health in York County, supplying lifelong tools the patients of the Rock Hill/York communities can use in their daily lives. As a volunteer with the American Blind Association, she introduced innovative ways to help the blind continue to adapt to daily living; and

Whereas, as a member of Elk Sunbeam Temple #1164 and Gate Keeper for three years, Ms. Herne was named 2018 Elk of the Year in honor of her service. She worked feeding the homeless, serving the Youth Department and at-risk youth of Charleston, helping with the wig collections for ladies with cancer and the eyeglasses collection for the less fortunate in the Bahamas, and supporting a clothing drive for the homeless; and

Whereas, this Elks Sunbeam Temple #1164 Queen (2018) and South Carolina State Queen of Elks of the World (2019) received the 2016 and 2017 Helping Hands Award through the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order Elks of the World for her hard work and dedication to assisting all communities; and

Whereas, in addition, she volunteered with the Orangeburg Samaritan House for the Homeless, donating cleaning supplies and handmade Easter baskets to benefit the adults and children living there; and

Whereas, further, this woman of faith finds her spiritual home at Springfield Baptist Church, where she is an active member. Also active in serving at home, this mother of one daughter, Jessica, served her family as caregiver to her mother, who suffered from dementia for six years; and

Whereas, the members of the House recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Francina B. Herne who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Francina B. Herne for her many years of dedicated public and community service and extend best wishes as she continues to serve in the days ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Francina B. Herne.

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