Lights to stay on at Christmas for Rock Hill “mama”

The lights are staying on at Brenda Langley’s house. And the grandchildren Langley adopted after their mother was murdered will have Christmas, too.

After the story of Langley’s struggles to pay her utility bill ran in Monday’s edition of The Herald, dozens of readers went to Rock Hill City Hall and helped pay off the outstanding bill so the family’s power wouldn’t be cut off with Christmas looming.

People also gave gift cards, money and other gifts for Langley, 69, and the children, ages 12, 14 and 18.

“I don’t know what to say, other than to tell people thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart,” Langley said.

Langley worked as a custodian until health problems forced her to retire. She legally adopted the children – Anthony, Timothy and Lizzie – after the 2011 killing of her daughter, Katherine Ballard McManus. Lizzie, who turned 12 Sunday, said what she wanted more than anything else for her birthday and Christmas was that Langley – whom she calls “mama” – not cry at night.

There was outreach from people of all means and races, groups and individuals, families and more. Some donations came from little kids who believe in Santa Claus, as well as people in their 80s who continue to believe in Santa Claus.

“It’s amazing” to see nice people show up and want to help, said Timothy, 14.

After donations started to come in Monday, the little house at 439 Cummings St. had not just lights, but warmth more powerful than the space heater in the living room. Langley, who in years past when she had a few dollars donated to charities at Christmas and all through the year, said she hopes that no other children in Rock Hill will be in the dark, or without Christmas cheer.

“These nice people come by here, they show the spirit of Christmas,” Langley said. “Tell them all that Christmas showed in their hearts.”

This story was originally published December 22, 2014 at 12:37 PM with the headline "Lights to stay on at Christmas for Rock Hill “mama”."