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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF OKLA ROBERTA CHATMAN KENELY OF SUMTER COUNTY, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of retired educator Okla Roberta Chatman Kenely at the age of sixty-three on June 12, 2011; and
Whereas, born in Greeleyville on June 27, 1947, she was the fourteenth child of the late Deaconess Alma Montgomery Chatman and Deacon Oscar Chatman, Sr.; and
Whereas, as a child, she trusted Christ as her personal Savior at St. James Baptist Church in Greeleyville, and after moving to Sumter, she joined Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church; and
Whereas, she received her formal education in the public schools of Williamsburg County, graduating from Williamsburg Training School, now C. E. Murray High School, in 1964 and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics education from Morris College in 1970; and
Whereas, a dedicated educator, she served as a mathematics teacher at Scott's Branch High School in Summerton for thirty years, from 1974 until 2004, and then retired due to declining health; and
Whereas, upon retirement, she devoted herself to the work of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, active in small group and in-home Bible studies and participating in the Pastor's Support Ministry, the Golden Ministry, the Sisterhood, the Hope House Ministry, and Education Ministry; and
Whereas, together with her beloved husband, James F. Kenely, she reared five fine daughters: Cheryl Witherspoon, Terri Kenely, Jamilia Kenely, Krystal Grant, and Kayela Hagood, who blessed them with five adoring grandchildren; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the dedicated service that Okla Kenely gave to the education of children in the Palmetto State and for the legacy that this godly lady has left for all who knew her. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Okla Roberta Chatman Kenely of Sumter County, and extend their deepest sympathy to her large and loving family and her many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to James F. Kenely.
This web page was last updated on June 22, 2011 at 3:57 PM