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H. 5434
STATUS INFORMATION
House Resolution
Sponsors: Rep. Rutherford
Document Path: l:\council\bills\nbd\11378cm20.docx
Introduced in the House on April 8, 2020
Adopted by the House on April 8, 2020
Summary: Rubinelle McDuffie Friedman
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Date Body Action Description with journal page number
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4/8/2020 House Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 5)
View the latest legislative information at the website
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF RUBINELLE MCDUFFIE FRIEDMAN OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rubinelle McDuffie Friedman of Columbia on March 4, 2020, at the venerable age of ninety-six; and
Whereas, known affectionately as "Duff," she was born in rural Lee County on April 12, 1923, and was the youngest of the eight children of farmer and businessman James Colin McDuffie and his wife Ethel Bundy McDuffie. Duff's family had long family roots in Marlboro County, with her ancestor John Stubbs obtaining a land grant in the Cheraw District in 1753. The McDuffie family moved to a large home in Bishopville in 1930. Duff attended public schools and in her senior year at Bishopville High School, won the school's elocution award; and
Whereas, she attended Coker College and Limestone College when both institutions were South Carolina women's colleges and graduated from the University of South Carolina. While at the latter, where she was on the May Court, she met Robert S. Friedman. The two were married in 1945; and
Whereas, following his graduation from law school after World War II, the Friedmans moved to Rock Hill. Duff was active in her community and was a member of the Rock Hill Junior League. Like many women of her generation, she was a full-time volunteer and always stayed busy. Her attention especially focused on the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, where under the strong leadership of Reverend William W. "Bill" Lumpkin, she taught Sunday School, assisted with church outreach at the York Children's Home, and served on the altar guild. In the late 1960s, Duff served on the Diocese of Upper South Carolina ECW cabinet. She was on her church's cookbook committee, which produced the legendary 1964 cookbook, Food Thrills From Rock Hill, in which was featured her famous recipe for golden corn dressing; and
Whereas, Duff loved learning and was always taking a course in something. Her interest in world religions and world affairs led her to Dr. Nolan Jacobson at Winthrop College, whose courses in Buddhism fueled her desire to travel and learn more about other religions. In 1971, she and her daughter Belinda made a six-month trip around the world with a letter of introduction from Dr. Jacobson to Buddhist leaders in Asia. In the early 1980s after travel to mainland China opened, she made a three-week trip to that country, becoming one of its first American tourists; and
Whereas, this devoted mother loved her children unconditionally and was always there for them. She had an abiding faith in God and believed in the power of prayer. She prayed daily and taught workshops on prayer at Black Mountain, North Carolina, in the 1980s; and
Whereas, a beautiful woman with a strong sense of style, Duff caught the attention of everyone in the room when she entered. She was known for her warm smile, gorgeous blue eyes, and independent spirit. She loved life and had friends from all walks of life. An avid and competitive bridge player with master points, she was a lifelong Democrat; and
Whereas, predeceased by her husband, Robert S. Friedman, and her son, Robert S. Friedman, Jr., she leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Belinda Friedman Gergel (Richard) of Columbia and Charleston and Daphne Friedman Bethencourt of Columbia and Kennesaw, Georgia; her grandchildren, Rachel Bumgarner Willis (Jason) of Kennesaw, Amanda Bumgarner Hines (Reagan) of Kennesaw, Robert Richard Gergel of Charleston, and Joseph Friedman Gergel of Lagos, Nigeria; and her great-grandchildren, Cole Christopher Willis, Asher Reagan Hines, and Emerson Grace Hines, all of Kennesaw. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing 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 Rubinelle McDuffie Friedman of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Belinda Friedman Gergel for the family.
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May 12, 2020 at 11:30 AM