Tony Thurmond: “early this morning, I lost one of my closest friends and staff members, Holly Johnston Richardson, who succumbed after a…”

“early this morning, I lost one of my closest friends and staff members, Holly Johnston Richardson, who succumbed after a difficult battle with cancer. For nearly 30 years, she was a member of my extended family in every sense of the word. She was my right hand. My trusted advisor. My vital link to literally thousands of South Carolina friends, constituents, and family members. But more than anything else, Mr. President, Holly Richardson was one of my dearest friends, and I will miss her more than words can convey. To her husband, Phil, to her two wonderful children, Anne and Emmett, and to Holly's mother and father, Joanne and Coy Johnston of Summerville, South Carolina. I extend my heartfelt sympathies. I know my colleagues--so many of whom knew Holly very well--join me in expressing their support and offering their prayers during this very difficult time. But it is Holly Richardson's life, and the courage she demonstrated throughout her illness, that is most on my mind today. I know I speak for everyone who knew and loved Holly as I did in saying that we deeply mourn her passing, and yet celebrate her wonderful life, a life dedicated to God, to her family, to her fellow man, and to her State and Nation. Like all trusted staff members, Holly Richardson had my ear. What she probably never knew fully is that she also had my heart. On a personal level, she was--for my entire family--an unofficial ``third daughter.'' Our confidant. Our friend.”