A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MRS. LOUISE THELMA ROBINSON-SIMMONS OF UNION HEIGHTS, 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 Mrs. Louise Thelma Robinson-Simmons of Union Heights on January 14, 2025, at the venerable age of 96; and

 

Whereas, born on November 28, 1928, in Charleston, Mrs. Louise Thelma Robinson-Simmons dedicated her life to her faith, her community, and service to others; and

 

Whereas, the eldest member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she was baptized at the age of 14, Mrs. Simmons was a faithful member of New Hope for eighty-two years and served there in numerous capacities, including as a member of the Missionary Ministry, Senior Choir, Pastor's Aide Ministry, and Jubilee Choir, the latter of which she served as president. She also served on the church's Fundraising Committee, tirelessly raising funds to support church and community initiatives; and

 

Whereas, because she believed strongly in active participation in the life of her community, Mrs. Simmons worked during the 1960s alongside local activists, such as Walter Jenkins and the Reverend Dr. Willie Givens, encouraging voter registration and participation in the democratic process; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Simmons moreover devoted many years to the Charleston YWCA; and

 

Whereas, as an entrepreneur, she sold Stanley Home Products for more than forty years, turning her work into a ministry of kindness and often blessing those in need without expecting repayment while trusting in God's provision; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Simmons lived in Union Heights for over seventy years and was a cornerstone of her community. There, she advocated for single mothers, senior citizens, and initiatives through the community center and Echo House; and

 

Whereas, her acts of kindness extended to collecting funds from neighbors to provide condolences in the form of cards and flowers for grieving families on Delaware Avenue. This committed servant-leader embodied the spirit of unity and compassion; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Simmons leaves to cherish her memory a devoted family and a host of loving friends, and her legacy of kindness, leadership, and advocacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly 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 Mrs. Louise Thelma Robinson-Simmons of Union Heights, 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.

----XX----