AS ADOPTED BY THE SENATE
March 10, 2021
H. 3785
Introduced by Reps. J. Moore, Jefferson, Daning, Davis, Matthews and M.M. Smith
S. Printed 3/10/21--S.
Read the first time February 18, 2021.
TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF OAKLEY ROAD IN BERKELEY COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 52 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH OLD HIGHWAY 52 "DR. TONIA AIKEN TAYLOR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY CONTAINING THESE WORDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor on August 29, 2019; and
Whereas, Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor was the daughter of the late Mr. Frank Smith and Ms. Leola Aiken-Byas. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and reared in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. She graduated from Berkeley High School in 1982 and was accepted at Baptist College (now Charleston Southern University) in Charleston, where in May of 1986, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts with a minor in Religion; and
Whereas, Dr. Taylor was the first African American student to receive the Myrtle E. Hamerick Award, citing the student "who exemplifies the highest virtues of womanhood". In 1986 she also was selected by Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities; and
Whereas, through much hard work and passion, she received her master's degree in 1995 from Jacksonville Theological Seminary followed in 1996 by a doctorate degree in Christian Psychology from Truth Bible College and Seminary, also in Jacksonville, Florida. She later served on the board of directors for Truth Bible College and Seminary, where she also was an adjunct professor. During the summer of 2002, Dr. Taylor continued her professional studies in Christian Education at Pensacola Christian College; and
Whereas, Dr. Taylor was petite, yet powerful, as she inspired and motivated God's people. She had a passion to minister the love of God through the musical expression of singing. She provided music on the Trinity Broadcasting Network's local affiliate station as well as ACTS Network, both in Jacksonville, and WCSC-TV Channel 5 Inspirational Sounds Broadcast in Charleston. She was a motivational speaker for various churches, civic, and governmental organizations, recorded the compact disc First and seven music videos, and coauthored titles 50 Shades of Change and G.P.S. Your Marriage; and
Whereas, Dr. Taylor served as pastor of Heart to Heart International Ministries in Moncks Corner where her husband, Bishop Jerome A. Taylor, is the senior pastor. Dr. Taylor also was principal of HeArts Christian Academy, a member of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools, and in 2009, she was the first African American female elected to Moncks Corner's Town Council; and
Whereas, in addition to her husband, Dr. Taylor leaves three beautiful daughters: Destiny Joy, Dynasty Sophia, and Divinity Victoria to cherish her memory; and
Whereas, it would be fitting and proper that the members of the General Assembly honor the life of Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor for her selfless devotion to God, her family, and her community by naming a portion of highway in Berkeley County in her honor. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That members of the General Assembly request the Department of Transportation name the portion of Oakley Road in Berkeley County from its intersection with United States Highway 52 to its intersection with Old Highway 52 "Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this portion of highway containing these words.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the family of Dr. Tonia Aiken Taylor and forwarded to the Department of Transportation.