Bill Text: SC H3986 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Councilwoman Leona Kirby Plaugh
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-03-14 - Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence [H3986 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-H3986-Introduced.html
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF COLUMBIA CITY COUNCILWOMAN LEONA KIRBY PLAUGH OF RICHLAND COUNTY, TO HONOR HER REMARKABLE COMMITMENT TO THE CITY OF COLUMBIA, AND TO EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, it is altogether fitting that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly should pause in their deliberations to remember the life of Columbia City Councilwoman Leona Kirby Plaugh who died at the age of sixty-six on September 28, 2016, after a two-year battle with cancer; and
Whereas, born July 3, 1950, she was a native and lifelong resident of Columbia and the daughter of Emmie Mae Kirby and Watus C. Kirby, Sr. She graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1968 and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of South Carolina in 1972. She took advanced studies at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of State and Local Government in 2000; and
Whereas, after teaching at Lower Richland Middle School for a year, Mrs. Plaugh took a job in Sumter as a community planner and then joined the Central Midlands Regional Planning Council; and
Whereas, during nearly thirty years of public service in Columbia, Mrs. Plaugh served as assistant city manager for twelve years and two years as city manager, leaving in 2003 to establish two small businesses; and
Whereas, a long-time member of College Place Methodist Church in North Columbia, she was a highly respected partner and executive director of The Association of Entertainment Professionals, LLC (AEP), a company that showcased aspiring talent for buyers from every segment of the entertainment industry. She was also the owner and founder of Plaugh Enterprises, LLC, a business development, marketing, and catering company; and
Whereas, in 2010, she was elected to represent District 4 on the Columbia City Council, and during her time on council, she was a loyal friend to taxpayers, working tirelessly for the City. She always sought to make decisions that she believed were in the best interest of her constituents, not just when it was easy but more so when those decisions were difficult, even if it meant opposing the mayor; and
Whereas, late in 2014, Mrs. Plaugh began treatment for a rare type of cancer in her leg, and in 2015, she underwent amputation of her leg at the University of Texas's Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She returned to serve on the council with the strong confidence that God was in charge of her life, and less than a year later, the cancer returned; and
Whereas, rather than go through additional surgery, Councilwoman Plaugh entered into the qualification process for clinical trials for a new sarcoma treatment at the Anderson Cancer Center, but doctors decided against the treatment due to the scope of the cancer; and
Whereas, she and her beloved husband of forty-five years, Joel Allen Plaugh, reared a fine son, Allen, and throughout her battle with cancer, she remained focused on her family, the Lord, and her service to Columbia; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are grateful for the life and legacy of Leona Plaugh and for the example of courage and determination she set for all who knew her. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, remember and celebrate the life of Columbia City Councilwoman Leona Kirby Plaugh of Richland County, honor her remarkable commitment to the City of Columbia, 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 Leona Kirby Plaugh.
