TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF MELISSA WARD HUNTER OF CHARLESTON COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Melissa Ward Hunter at the age of fifty-five on Monday, March 7, 2022; and

Whereas, born in Laredo, Texas, on October 28, 1966, she was the daughter of Iris Gato Rhea and the late Thomas Joseph Ward, and she graduated from Middleton High School in 1984; and

Whereas, after earning a bachelor's degree from Winthrop College, Ms. Hunter became an interior designer, and she was the owner of MWHunter; and

Whereas, her parents, Iris and Albert Rhea of Charleston, will long cherish her memory, along with her two sons, Charles Boyd Hunter and Hayden W. Hunter, and her daughter, Morgan H. Coyne; and

Whereas, she was blessed with the affection of three adoring grandchildren: Cales, Bayliss, and Blythe; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Melissa Ward Hunter and for the example of courage and kindness she set for those 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 Melissa Ward Hunter of Charleston County and extend their deepest sympathy to her loving family and her many friends.

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