A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Johnnie stephens OF Richland COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Johnnie Stephens at the venerable age of one hundred three on Friday, February 2, 2024; and

Whereas, born on July 5, 1920, he was the son of Frank and Eliza Stephens of Saluda County and was lovingly reared by his grandmother, "Ms. Amanda." He attended school in Saluda County and joined St. Paul Baptist Church in Saluda at an early age; and

Whereas, in 1935, Mr. Stephens' family moved to Columbia, where he became a member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and faithfully sang in the Jubilee Choir there until his health started declining. He continued his education in Columbia at the Longtown School, known as "The Little Red School House," which has been refurbished and is now an historical building located at Killan Elementary School; and

Whereas, in the proud tradition of the sons of the Palmetto State, Mr. Stephens joined the United States Army on July 12, 1941, and was honorably discharged on December 24, 1945. Serving as a heavy-duty truck driver and carpentry worker, he was stationed on New Guinea and Luzon in the Philippines, where he received the American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal; and

Whereas, upon his discharge, Mr. Stephens continued his employment at Moncrief Army Hospital at Fort Jackson as a chief cook until his retirement in 1979; and

Whereas, an excellent cook, he was well-known for his decorated ham during holidays. Mr. Stephens loved gardening, especially collards during the fall, and raising livestock. He enjoyed sharing stories with family and friends of his time stationed in New Guinea, regaling them on his favorite subject of history, and reminiscing on past events of the Killian Community; and

Whereas, Mr. Stephens met his beloved wife, the late Geraldine Fredrenia Boyd, at Waverly Hospital in Columbia. Together they reared six fine children: the late Reginald L. Stephens, the late Lafayette L. Stephens, Vivian Thompson, Allyson McMichael, Perry Stephens, and Theodore H. Stephens, and two adopted daughters, Miranda Stephens High and Rebecca Tinsley. His children blessed him with the affection of twelve grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the long life and legacy of Johnnie Stephens and for the example of sacrifice and service he set for all who knew him. 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 Johnnie Stephens of Richland County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

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

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