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TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF CHARLESTON NATIVE DR. PATRICIA SANDERS-COOPER, A DEDICATED SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATOR, AND TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE OF SERVICE.
Whereas, it is altogether fitting that the members of the South Carolina General Assembly should pause in their deliberations to remember the life of the late Dr. Patricia Sanders-Cooper, a native of Charleston, who served as an educator in this great State for many years; and
Whereas, Dr. Patricia Sanders-Cooper grew up in Charleston and attended Burke High School, from which she graduated in 1975. She attended South Carolina State University for her bachelor's degree, graduating cum laude with a degree in elementary education in 1979. While at South Carolina State, she pledged the Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization dedicated to public service with an emphasis on programs that assist the African American community; and
Whereas, the young Patricia began teaching in Berkeley County School District in the year of her college graduation and became the first African American "gifted and talented" teacher in the county in the mid-1980s; and
Whereas, she wed Calvin Richard Cooper of Hemingway in 1982, and the couple founded a family of two sons: Richard Elliott Cooper, born in 1984, and Jordan Thomas Cooper, born in 1990; and
Whereas, in further preparation for her career, Mrs. Sanders-Cooper graduated from The Citadel with a master's degree in educational administration in 1986. The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Berkeley County School District, named her Berkeley County Teacher of the Year in 1988, making her the first African American to achieve this honor; and
Whereas, she founded the Children's Church at Greater St. James AME Church in 1995; and
Whereas, in 1999, Patricia Sanders-Cooper graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Moreover, she was the first employee to hold a doctorate at Cross Elementary School, where she served as assistant principal, and the first also at R.D. Schroder Middle School, where she was principal. Dr. Sanders-Cooper passed away on September 10, 2005, from long-term health issues; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are grateful for the life and legacy of Dr. Patricia Sanders-Cooper and for the example of excellence in leadership and service she set for all who knew her. 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, honor the memory of Charleston native Dr. Patricia Sanders-Cooper, a dedicated South Carolina educator, and celebrate her life of service.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Calvin Cooper and Jordan Cooper.
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