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TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF GLADYS HENDRIX MACK SUMPTER AND TO OFFER SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives deem it appropriate to pause in their deliberations to recognize the passing of a beloved daughter of South Carolina, Gladys Sumpter; and
Whereas, Deaconess Gladys Hendrix Mack Sumpter was the definition of style, class, and grace. She had a loving heart and an infectious smile. When she walked in a room, she exuded positive energy and a warmth of spirit. An awe-inspiring mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher, and friend, she touched the lives of many during her ninety-six years. Gladys was a virtuous woman who served God with all of her heart, mind, and soul, following God's will throughout her life; and
Whereas, Gladys was born on June 7,1921, in Batesburg, South Carolina, to the late Willie and Anna Hendrix. At an early age, she was baptized at Olive Branch Baptist Church. In 1947, she moved to Columbia and met and married her beloved late husband, Deacon Benjamin James Mack, who served as a lieutenant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
Whereas, Gladys was a religious member of Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church and became one of the first female deacons under the late Reverend Z. E. Dennis and Reverend Jeremiah Witherspoon. As a faithful servant of her church and the Lord, she served as a Deaconess Emeritus, an active member in the Church Working Club, Missionary Society, and in the Musical and Jubilee Choirs; and
Whereas, an ambitious businesswoman, Gladys would not let anyone dull her shine because she knew her perseverance would one day open the door to a brighter future. Her unflinching determination was a beautiful example of what fortitude can achieve. Encouraging everyone to always follow their dreams, she followed hers, owning and operating her own hair salon. She and her husband were also the founders and owners of Mack's Day Care Center, which was the oldest African-American owned day care center in Columbia. Gladys later sold this day care center to the Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church; and
Whereas, after the death of her dear Benjamin, Gladys began a career at, and later retired from, The Tucker Center. Eventually, love found Gladys again, and she married the late Joseph Sumpter. Together they enjoyed traveling to various historical sites across the United States and in other countries; and
Whereas, on March 18, Gladys began her journey to her new heavenly home, where she undoubtedly received a grand welcome from her husbands, parents, sisters, and brothers upon reaching the pearly gates. She is survived and will be forever remembered by her two children, Loretta Mack Lake of Columbia and Mustafa (Russell) Sharif (Mack) of Miami, Florida; two grandchildren, Kenyatta Mack and Amin Sharif of Columbia; two great-grandchildren, Joycelyn Mack and Emoni Taylor; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other members of the family and friends; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the poise and class Mrs. Sumpter exuded throughout her life and offer their heartfelt sympathy to those she leaves behind. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Gladys Hendrix Mack Sumpter and offer sincere condolences to her loving family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gladys Hendrix Mack Sumpter.
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