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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF ELLA JEANETTE WILLIAMS PENDERGRASS WHITE OF FLORENCE AND TO EXTEND 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 Ella Jeanette Williams Pendergrass White of Florence at the age of sixty-eight on February 27, 2016; and
Whereas, born in Estill on April 21, 1947, Jeannette was the first child of Isaac Lee Williams and Anna Carnelia Farmer Williams, and she graduated from Estill Training School in 1965; and
Whereas, after earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Benedict College in 1969, she spent most of her professional career mentoring, guiding, and providing encouragement for more than two generations of women and girls by serving as an executive field director for the Pee Dee Area Girl Scout Council. She retired in 2010 after twenty-eight years of outstanding service; and
Whereas, Mrs. White helped to found and served as president and crime-watch leader for the Glendale Association, and her tireless efforts were rewarded when she was named Crime Watch Person of the Year in 2015 by the National Crime Prevention Association; and
Whereas, for over thirty-five years, she worked with the eBushua Children's Theater and served as project director for the eBushua Arts Foundation; and
Whereas, Mrs. White also served on the board of directors for the Florence Arts Council and was a founding member of the Florence area chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated; on the board of directors for the Pee Dee Community Action Agency, she was appointed to the Policy Council for Head Start serving Florence, Marion, and Dillon counties; and as second vice president of the Florence Branch of the NAACP and was an active member of the Epsilon Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she served on the membership committee, and served in various capacities on numerous other clubs and organizations; and
Whereas, a lifelong, faithful Christian, Mrs. White devoted herself to serving New Ebenezer Baptist Church for twenty years, most recently as president of the church's Missionary Board; and
Whereas, she leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of four years, Deacon Ralph White, Jr.; and three fine children: Leonard C. Pendergrass, Audria Pendergrass Lee, and Kristal Pendergrass. Her children blessed her with eight adoring grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Mrs. Jeanette White and for the example of service and kindness she set 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 Ella Jeanette Williams Pendergrass White of Florence and extend deepest sympathy to her large and loving family and her many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ella Jeanette Williams Pendergrass White.
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