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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF BETTY JO BEATY LARK OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Betty Jo Beaty Lark of Columbia on July 22, 2021, at the venerable age of eighty-eight; and
Whereas, born August 17, 1932, Betty Jo Beaty Lark was the daughter of Douglas R. Beaty and Lonnie Young Beaty Cunningham. After graduating from high school in the public schools of Union County, she continued her education at Allen University, where she received a bachelor's degree in English and social studies. Following her college graduation, she taught in Darlington for two years; and
Whereas, she met and married the love of her life, Willie Earl "Bill" Lark, a soldier in the United States Army, and they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Upon her husband's retirement from the military, she returned home and continued her education at the University of South Carolina. There, she received a Master of Education with an emphasis in guidance and counseling and was later certified in administration and supervision; and
Whereas, Mrs. Lark was an educator for twenty-eight years as a teacher, guidance counselor, and assistant principal. While employed at Keenan High School, she saw the need for students to receive additional support in their educational and social development. She therefore implemented Project GOAL (Guided Opportunities to Achievement in Life) and saw, as a result of this program, the lives of many students enhanced and successfully developed beyond the high school level. She was truly an advocate of children's education; and
Whereas, Betty Jo Lark accepted Christ into her life at an early age and served the Lord through the African Methodist Episcopal Church for her entire lifetime. Before joining Pine Grove AME Church, she was a dedicated member of Chappelle Memorial AME Church. At Pine Grove, this class leader was a faithful and loyal member of the Cleoniece Rhett Women's Missionary Society, Stewardess Board Number One, Senior Citizens' Bible Study Group, Pine Grove Scholarship Committee, and Pastor's Aide Board. In 2017, after many years of dedicated service to the Pine Grove Steward Board, she was awarded the title of steward emeritus; and
Whereas, in addition, Mrs. Lark was a life member of the Richland School District One Retired Teachers' Association and the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 4262. She was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., for more than fifty years. An avid reader, Mrs. Lark often hosted book talks with friends in her home. She enjoyed writing poetry and being in the presence of others; and
Whereas, preceded in death by her late husband, First Sergeant Willie Earl "Bill" Lark, U.S. Army (Ret.), and her eldest daughter, Phoebe Lark Benson, Betty Jo Lark leaves to cherish her memory two loving children, Abigayle Lark Wright and Darwin E. Lark; three grandchildren, Ashley and Emily Wright and Emery B. Benson; three great-grandchildren, Shon and Jay Grate (Emily) and Nataley Wright-Wilson (Ashley); and her Pine Grove family and other devoted family members and lifetime friends, all of whom will miss her dearly. 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 Betty Jo Beaty Lark of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Abigayle Lark Wright for the family.
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