A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MADISON ANN "MADDIE" HINES OF LAURENS COUNTY, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Madison Ann "Maddie" Hines of Laurens County on October 8, 2023, at the age of only three; and

Whereas, born October 14, 2019, Maddie was the daughter of Chris and Chelsey Hines of Gray Court and the little sister of Carson and Kinsley. She was the maternal granddaughter of Gerald and Teresa Leopard and the paternal granddaughter of Betty Coble (Ken) of Gray Court and Robert Hines (Lisa) of Las Vegas, Nevada; and

Whereas, "Let the little children come to me …, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14, English Standard Version). On Sunday, October 8, 2023, Maddie entered heaven, running into the arms of her Savior. Her love and light were a blessing to all who knew her; and

Whereas, Maddie was pure joy. She loved her family and friends fiercely. When she told you that she loved you, you could tell she meant it. For such a little person, she gave the biggest hugs, and they were something everyone looked forward to; and

Whereas, she loved dancing and singing songs and adored her siblings. She was so proud of herself when she could make you laugh with her. Her giggles were contagious. She loved cheering on the Laurens Academy Crusaders or, as she said, "potaters." Her eyes lit up with excitement when she thought about going to "big school" next year. She had an intentional sense of humor and loved to make people smile; and

Whereas, Maddie loved Jesus and her Bible. She was so proud when she had memorized her Bible verses and could proclaim them loudly. Maddie would be the first to tell her Wednesday night teachers that she knew her weekly verses. Her love for her God was so evident even at such a young age. At her family's church, Chestnut Ridge Baptist, Maddie was a member of Awanas and was active in the choir praise team, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School; and

Whereas, in addition to her parents, brother, sister, and grandparents, Maddie leaves to cherish her memory her uncle, Auston Leopard; her cousins, Hudson and Maisie; her great-grandparents, Jerry and Nancy Rook and Eunice Leopard; her godparents, Stewart and Kelly Jones, and their daughters, Lillie and Emma; and a host of other family members and friends. Maddie was predeceased by her great-grandfather, Horace Leopard, and a cousin, Brandon Rook. This little one will be remembered as a very special little girl with a tremendous heart for others, and her joy and sweet testimony for her Savior will be greatly missed. 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 Madison Ann "Maddie" Hines of Laurens County, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

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

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