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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MRS. ETHEL GETHERS DAVIS OF BERKELEY COUNTY FOR HER LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IN THE PALMETTO STATE.
Whereas, a resident of Moncks Corner, Ethel Gethers Davis is the oldest daughter of the late Reverend Octavius Allen and Elouise Cooper Gethers, and she began her education at the Cherry Hill Community School, known as The Classroom; and
Whereas, she attended Berkeley Training of Moncks Corner, Burke High School, and Avery Institute of Charleston. She earned a bachelor's in elementary education from Allen University and a master's in elementary education/administration management at South Carolina State College. She did more post-graduate work at the College of Charleston and The Citadel; and
Whereas, Mrs. Davis created an innovative nursery rhyme musical as one of the means to promote learning for her students; and
Whereas, she taught at R. A. Ready Elementary from 1951 to 1967 and then served at Bonneau Elementary, first as a media specialist and then as principal from 1968 to 1970, the first African-American female principal in the Berkeley County School District; and
Whereas, from 1970 to 1976, Mrs. Davis served as co-principal of Macedonia Elementary School and as its principal from 1976 to 1980. Under her leadership there, a new 2.5 million dollar school facility was constructed, and the name of the school was changed to Bonner Elementary School; and
Whereas, her professional memberships included the National Association of Elementary Principals, South Carolina Association of Elementary and Middle Schools Principals, Berkeley County Association of School Administrators, State Education Committee, and team member to evaluate schools for inclusion in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as "Palmetto's Finest"; and
Whereas, among Mrs. Davis' many honors, she was recognized by the State Department of Education for Exemplary Media Program and Program for the National Diffusion Network for coordinating basic skills with the media center; and
Whereas, after thirty-five years of dedicated service to her students, their parents, and Berkeley County School District, Mrs. Davis retired in 1986 and has participated in religious and civic work; and
Whereas, having received her early religious training in Mt. Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Moncks Corner, she served her church through the Missionary Society, Trustee Board, Senior Choir, and committees to promote Christian growth. Her favorite Scripture texts include, "With God all things are possible," and, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path"; and
Whereas, together with her beloved husband, the late Brister Davis, she reared two fine daughters, Doris Ellington of South Carolina and Linda Swinton of Virginia. Mrs. Davis was blessed with one granddaughter, Dawn Ellington of Maryland; one grandson, the late Duane Ellington; and a great-grandson in California; and
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly deeply appreciates the lifetime of selfless and exemplary service that Ethel Davis has given to the citizens of this great State. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Mrs. Ethel Gethers Davis of Berkeley County for her lifetime of service to the education of children in the Palmetto State.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mrs. Ethel Gethers Davis.
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