SC H4993

South Carolina House of Representatives resolution expressing sorrow upon the death of Reverend Dr. Lillie A. Burgess of Richland County on January 14, 2026

Dr. Burgess earned degrees from Columbia International University and a doctorate in comparative religion from Union Institute and University, then served as a professor of philosophy and religion at Benedict College for twenty years

She became the first female campus minister in Benedict College's 150-year history and led thirty-three volunteer foreign mission teams to East Africa, South Africa, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic

Received the Order of the Palmetto in 2010 (South Carolina's highest civilian award), the AT&T Teachers of Excellence award, and was named a Red Cross Hero for Haiti earthquake relief fundraising

Resolution directs that a copy be presented to her family, which includes three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren