SCPC mourns the loss of Shirley W. Roe

The South Carolina Policy Council is deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of Shirley W. Roe, whom we deeply respected and to whom we owe an enduring debt of gratitude.

Shirley carried forward the spirit and vision of her late husband, Thomas A. Roe, founder of the South Carolina Policy Council and the State Policy Network, an organization dedicated to the growth of independent think tanks in all 50 states. Through her steadfast support, she championed the principles of limited government, individual liberty, free markets, and traditional South Carolina values.

SCPC, which was founded in 1986, is profoundly grateful for the many years of support, guidance, and generosity that Mrs. Roe offered. Her grace, leadership, and commitment to liberty have left an incredible mark on our organization, South Carolina, and the country.

We are committed to honoring her legacy by continuing the work that she and Mr. Roe, who passed in 2000, so passionately believed in, advancing the cause of freedom at both the state and national levels.

Shirley also was a devoted member of the Greenville community. She served on the boards of Christ Church Episcopal School and the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, understanding that lasting change often begins at the local level.

“Mrs. Roe was a true patriot who believed that South Carolina and the nation should always strive to live up to the promise of liberty our founders envisioned,” said Michael Burris, SCPC’s CEO. “Her quiet strength, deep generosity, and steadfast commitment to principle inspired countless individuals to engage in the work of advancing freedom.”

“She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” Burris added, “but her legacy lives on in the people and institutions she shaped across the country.”

Tracie Sharp, the State Policy Network’s President and CEO, and former longtime Roe Foundation trustee, on Mrs. Roe’s legacy:

“Since Tom’s passing in 2000, Shirley has been the faithful guardian of his vision and ideals. She didn’t just preserve our founder’s legacy – she enriched the foundation’s giving with her own deep understanding of what makes this country great. Her steadfast commitment to advancing the principles Tom championed has been the cornerstone of everything we’ve accomplished together.”

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Roe family and to all who were blessed by Shirley’s presence, friendship, and unwavering dedication to freedom.