Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE DEATH OF ERNESTINE S. (TENA) WALKER OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ernestine S. (Tena) Walker of Columbia on January 30, 2016; and
Whereas, born on March 23, 1951, Ernestine S. (Tena) Walker was the only child of the late Ernest (Buck) Sitton and Christine (Betty) Sitton of Easley. A 1968 graduate of Clearview High School, where she excelled academically, she skipped eleventh grade and graduated as class valedictorian. In further preparation for her career, Tena attended the University of South Carolina (USC), where she began her lifelong commitment as a Gamecock. At USC, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, as well as master's degrees in both education (psychological counseling) and business administration (strategy, marketing, and management). It was also at USC that Tena met the love of her life, Harry. The two dated throughout college, married in 1973, and began their life together in Columbia; and
Whereas, Tena began her professional career at Midlands Technical College, serving there in various capacities, including as director of admissions and registration. In 1978, she took up her duties with BellSouth Telecommunications sales and marketing, where she served in supervisory, managerial, and executive-level positions until her retirement. In 2002, Tena retired as executive director of Customer Operations for BellSouth DCS/Cingular Wireless; and
Whereas, Tena believed strongly in personal involvement with her community, and her convictions led her to serve that community, as well as the broader community of South Carolina, in several capacities. These include service as a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce (former board member), Columbia Rotary Club, Carolina Care Plan (former board member and interim CEO), Columbia College Board of Visitors (former board chair), YWCA of the Midlands (former board chair), Columbia Urban League (former board member), South Carolina Commission on Women (gubernatorial appointment), and other organizations. Tena also chartered the initial line of the Theta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., at USC and, much to her delight, saw both of her daughters inducted into the chapter, as well; and
Whereas, although her professional accolades were numerous, Tena's proudest accomplishment was her family. She leaves behind her loving husband and best friend of forty-two years, Harry (or "Hab," as she affectionately called him); her beloved daughters, Breon and Meghan; her mother-in-law, Mrs. Curtis S. Walker; and a host of other family members and friends. She will be missed. 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 death of Ernestine S. (Tena) Walker of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mr. Harry Walker for the family.
This web page was last updated on February 4, 2016 at 10:51 AM