TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF BETTY SHEPARD ATKINSON 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 Betty Shepard Atkinson at the age of eighty on Sunday, May 31, 2015; and

Whereas, born in Darlington County on August 20, 1934, she was the daughter of the late William Shepard and the late Rosa Lee Amerson Shepard; and

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, the late Joseph Edward Atkinson, Jr., she reared five fine children: Ann A. Cooper of Bishopville; the late Richard N. Atkinson; and C. Wade Atkinson, David S. Atkinson, and Joseph E. Atkinson, III, all of St. Charles; and

Whereas, her children blessed her with the love of fourteen grandchildren: Richard N. Atkinson, Jr.; Teal A. Atkinson; Lauren E. Atkinson; Taylor D. Atkinson; Kacie A. Ingram; Amber A. Blair; Leanna M. Atkinson; Dabnee A. Wiggins; Haley E. Atkinson; Jordan T. Atkinson; Sarah S. Cooper; Sydney F. Weeks; Benjamin T. Weeks; and Hunter W. Turner. She had six adoring great-grandchildren: Hanna J. Blair; Harrison C. Wiggins; Jamie A. Ingram; Richard N. Atkinson, III; Paxton T. Atkinson; and Jon T. Wiggins; and

Whereas, for over sixty years, Mrs. Atkinson farmed in the St. Charles community with her husband and sons; and

Whereas, she attended Elliott Baptist Church and Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Betty Atkinson and for the example of generosity and kindness 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 Betty Shepard Atkinson 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 provided to the family of Betty Shepard Atkinson.