H 5807

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5807
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
to express profound sorrow upon the
passing of Alica Van Rensalier Lewis James of Orangeburg and to extend deepest
sympathy to her loving family and many friends.
Whereas, Alica Van Rensalier Lewis James, a pioneering businesswoman,
community leader, beloved mother, aunt, sister, and friend passed away on June
30, 2026, in Indian Land, just days before her eighty-eighth birthday; and
Whereas, born July 2, 1938, in New York City to the late Linwood and
Millie Van Rensalier, Alica was raised in Sumter, where she graduated as valedictorian
of Lincoln High School and was crowned Miss Lincoln; and
Whereas, in 1968, Alica made history as the first African American
employee of the National Bank of South Carolina in Sumter, demonstrating
exceptional financial acumen and helping advance integration in South
Carolina's banking industry; and
Whereas, Alica devoted herself to civil rights, racial equality,
education, and community service, including her participation on a special
banking committee on race and her role in the integration of Catholic schools
in Sumter; and
Whereas, after marrying William P. James in 1972, Alica moved to
Orangeburg, where she spent fifty years and built a remarkable legacy through
her work at South Carolina State University, ultimately managing the university
bookstore; and
Whereas, Alica was renowned for her warmth, generosity, hospitality,
and unwavering commitment to family and community.  She was affectionately
known as "Mom" and "Auntie" to many and consistently offered encouragement,
compassion, and tangible support to those in need; and
Whereas, before tailgating became commonplace, South Carolina State
homecoming celebrations were often centered in the homes of Orangeburg
families, and Alica's legendary homecoming gatherings became cherished
traditions for students, alumni, family, and friends; and
Whereas, Alica leaves a lasting legacy through her daughter, Tanya
Lewis Garrett; grandson, Lance L. Garrett; brother, Anthony "Tony" Van Rensalier
and his wife, Saundra "Sue"; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members,
and countless friends and loved ones, including her "Orangeburg" daughter,
Janice Cobb Greene (Happy); and
Whereas, the life of Alica Van Rensalier Lewis James stands as a
testament to perseverance, courage, entrepreneurship, service, family,
friendship, and the transformative power of opening doors for those who follow;
and
Whereas, we honor and celebrate the extraordinary life, service,
leadership, and enduring legacy of Alica Van Rensalier Lewis James, whose
contributions to South Carolina, education, banking, civil rights, and her
community will long be remembered.  Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of
Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House
of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the
passing of Alica Van Rensalier Lewis James of Orangeburg and extend deepest
sympathy to her loving family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to
the family of Alica Van Rensalier Lewis James.
----XX----
This web page was last updated on August 25, 2026 at 01:58 PM