A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF SARAH WITHERSPOON NASH WILSON OF SUMTER COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Sarah Witherspoon Nash Wilson at the age of one hundred one on March 3, 2025; and

 

Whereas, born in Sumter on February 10, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Shepard Kollock Nash and Nancy Witherspoon McKay Nash and was raised in a loving home with her two siblings, the late Shephard Kollock Nash Jr. and the late Nancy Nash Reynolds; and

 

Whereas, Sarah Wilson graduated from Edmunds High School and attended Converse College. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina where she was a member of Tri-Delta sorority. Following graduation, she served as a Red Cross volunteer nurse at Tuomey Hospital during World War II; and

 

Whereas, steadfast in her faith, Sarah Wilson was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sumter where she was baptized, was married, and taught Sunday School for more than fifty years. She was also a member of Salem Black River Presbyterian Church, serving the "Brick Church" with love in every capacity; and

 

Whereas, with her beloved husband, the late John Snowden Wilson, she reared three fine daughters: Nancy Nash Wilson of Sumter, Shannon Wilson Ravenel of Charleston, and Helen Wilson Taylor of Columbia. Mrs. Wilson's daughters blessed her with the affection of seven loving grandchildren: Sarah Nash Nettles of Spartanburg; Robert Mason Nettles III of Piedmont; John Snowden Wilson Nettles, Sarah Ravenel Dollens, and Alicia Ravenel Boyd, all three of Charleston; Sarah Taylor Green of Houston, Texas; and Elizabeth Haynsworth Taylor of Boston, Massachusetts. She had the joy of seeing her loving family legacy continued in nine great-grandchildren whom she adored; and

 

Whereas, dedicated to her local community, she founded the Daughters Book Club with the late Margaret McElveen and participated as a member of the Sumter Art Club, Sumter Drama Club, Sumter Historical Society, Sumter Mental Health Association, and Junior Welfare League of Sumter; and

 

Whereas, following the death of her husband, she held leadership positions in educational and business fields in Sumter. After teaching at Alice Drive Junior High School, she and others in the Sumter community founded Wilson Hall, named for her late husband. She was an integral part of the school and remained actively involved until her death; and

 

Whereas, she served on the board of the National Bank of South Carolina, the board of the Tuomey Hospital Foundation, the foundation board of the Sumter County Museum and the advisory board of the Salvation Army. She was chairman of the Sumter County Commission for Higher Education, a founding member of the board of the Central Carolina Community Foundation, a member of the Appraisers Association of America, and co-owner of The Cottage Shop with Pauline Harritt; and

 

Whereas, she was pleased to be a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames in America in the State of South Carolina and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the life and legacy of Sarah Wilson and for the example of dedication and service 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 Sarah Witherspoon Nash Wilson of Sumter 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 Sarah Witherspoon Nash Wilson.

----XX----