Waccamaw Neck — One person has been charged with DUI after striking a Waccamaw resident with a car on Thanksgiving Day.

After investigation, the S.C. Highway Patrol charged George Small, 31, of Georgetown, with driving under the influence involving death,  Trooper Sonny Collins said.

Small has been released from jail under a $100,000 bond.

Rose Etta cq Thompson Johnson was standing with a group of three or four other people near her daughter's disabled car around 7:30 p.m. when she was struck and killed by a vehicle.

She was the second person killed in a vehicle-related fatality on Thanksgiving Day.

Melissa Kirk, 47,  was killed in a one-car crash on U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet around 3:30 a.m. Thursday at the area where Highways 17 Business and Bypass split in Murrells Inlet.

Georgetown County Coroner Kenny Johnson said Kirk was killed when her vehicle ran off the road and overturned.

Kirk, who was pronounced dead on the scene, was wearing a seatbelt.

 The Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.

At first it was believed weather may have been a factor in the accident because there was fog in the county Thursday morning.

However,  Collins said Thursday evening the fog rolled in after the accident occurred.

"The weather was clear at the time of the accident," he said.

Celebration of Life

Kirk, who lived in Murrells Inlet, was remembered by her friends as a kind and caring person.

“She was bright, artistic and giving. I could have not spoken to Melissa in months and I know she would answer my call, no matter the distance,” said Litton, who added she treated Kirk as if she were her own mother.

 “She loved her dog, Hootie, and treated her as a child. When she lost her, it broke her heart.”

Melissa took the dog with her everywhere, Litton said. The blue heeler died several years ago.

Litton also said Kirk was concerned about the environment in Murrells Inlet.

“She insisted I take my daughter to the Spring Tide Clean Up because she thought it would be good for her to learn about responsibility with the environment,” Litton said.

The family and friends of Melissa Kirk will celebrate her life with stories and memories this Saturday in Murrells Inlet, Litton said.

The public occasion will help give a final, happy time for Kirk.

“We’ll celebrate the life that Melissa had,’’ said Litton. “She wouldn’t want us to sit around and cry. We’ll sit around and tell happy stories about Melissa and share pictures.’’

The public is invited to the event.

A private service is being scheduled by her family, Litton said.

Johnson says he does not recall ever having two separate fatal accidents on the same day, especially on a holiday.

Twelve people have died on county roadways this year.

By  Kelly Marshall Fuller