TO HONOR THE REVEREND AUDREY O. DEAS, PASTOR OF ST. PAUL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA IN HOLLYWOOD, FOR HER MANY YEARS OF GOSPEL MINISTRY, TO CONGRATULATE HER ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HER GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS AS SHE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE LORD.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina General Assembly honors those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to nurture the souls of men; and

Whereas, the Reverend Audrey O. Deas, pastor of St. Paul Presbyterian Church USA in Hollywood, stands among their number as an outstanding minister of the Gospel, one much admired by colleagues, congregation, and area residents at large; and

Whereas, born the third child of Caesar and Doris B. Deas, this native of Johns Island graduated from the area's former Haut Gap High School in 1969. She continued her education at Wilberforce University in Ohio and South Carolina State University, where she earned a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling. In 1991, she graduated from the Interdenominational Theological Center at Johnson C. Smith Seminary School in Atlanta, Georgia; and

Whereas, for thirty-five years, Reverend Deas worked for the State of South Carolina, retiring from Trident Technical College's Educational Opportunity Center as an educational specialist in December 2014; and

Whereas, a leader in her denomination and the community, she is past moderator of the Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery; minister commissioner to the Synod of the South Atlantic; board member of the Sea Island Alliance of Ministry, Sea Island Medical Center, and Basic Construction Trade (affiliate of Trident Technical College); a Spirit United Neighborhood educational counselor for the Tri-County area; youth mentor; and member of Legareville Road Pickups; and

Whereas, formerly pastor of Beaufort-Salem Presbyterian Church in Yemassee, Reverend Deas came to St. Paul Presbyterian Church USA in 1996 as pulpit-supply pastor. In 1999, she was installed as designated pastor and has served her flock in that capacity for nineteen years. On March 31, 2015, she plans to retire as pastor of the church; and

Whereas, during Reverend Deas' well-earned retirement, the General Assembly trusts she will find herself more frequently able to indulge in hobbies and visits with her daughter, Jennifer; and

Whereas, the General Assembly, cognizant of her many years of spiritual nourishment of the people of South Carolina, takes great pleasure in expressing grateful thanks to Reverend Deas and in wishing her God's best as she continues to run the race the Lord has set before her. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, honor the Reverend Audrey O. Deas, pastor of St. Paul Presbyterian Church USA in Hollywood, for her many years of Gospel ministry, congratulate her on the occasion of her retirement, and wish her God's richest blessings as she continues to serve the Lord.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Reverend Audrey O. Deas.