SC S0839

South Carolina Senate resolution expressing sympathy upon the death of Rev. Dr. Lillie A. Burgess of Richland County on January 14, 2026

Dr. Burgess earned a bachelor's degree in Bible and church ministries, a master's in Christian education and biblical studies from Columbia International University, and a doctorate in comparative religion with a concentration in Islamic religion from Union Institute and University

Served as professor of philosophy and religion at Benedict College for 20 years and became the first female campus minister in the college's 150-year history

Led 33 volunteer foreign mission teams to East Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic through her work at Ridgewood Baptist Church in Columbia

Received the Order of the Palmetto in 2010, the AT&T Teachers of Excellence award, and was named a Red Cross Hero for Haiti earthquake relief fundraising efforts