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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF EVELYN DOLORES ULMER HENRY OF WINNSBORO, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, 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 by the passing of Evelyn Dolores Ulmer Henry of Winnsboro on April 17, 2022, at the venerable age of ninety; and
Whereas, born August 14, 1931, to a Presbyterian minister, the Reverend George Ulmer, and a teacher, Loretta Ayers Ulmer, Evelyn grew up in a Christian home where strong faith in God, hard work, and a good education were taught as of primary importance. An honor graduate of Fairfield High School, she continued her education at Barber Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina, where she earned a bachelor's degree in social studies, graduating summa cum laude. After graduation, she began her career as a fifth-grade teacher at the Jasper County Training School; and
Whereas, in March 1952, she married the love of her life, Taft Henry of the United States Army. For more than sixty-eight years, they were inseparable and supportive of each other in all they did. They welcomed people into their home and provided meals to many, and Evelyn became famous for her spaghetti and garlic bread; and
Whereas, after finishing her contract with Jasper County Schools, she began to travel with her husband to his military assignments. During that time, she taught in the Army Education Center and the American Dependent School and served as president of the Protestant Women of Phillips Chapel and as a Girl Scout leader; and
Whereas, in 1965, she began serving in Fairfield County as a third-grade teacher for McCrorey-Liston Elementary School. In 1972, she was selected as team leader for McCrorey-Liston Elementary in a new program called South Carolina Teacher Corps; and
Whereas, to further her education, Evelyn earned her master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina and was then encouraged to pursue a doctorate. However, she felt that such a step would take too much time away from her family and so decided not to follow that path; and
Whereas, she went on to serve as the first African American female principal in the Fairfield County School District since the enactment of Title IX. She was principal of McCrorey-Liston Elementary School, a position she loved and held until her retirement. Under her leadership, the school received numerous awards, and Evelyn became a presenter at national and state conferences. The school that many people had looked down on had risen to the top; and
Whereas, in the community, Evelyn was active in Calvary Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), where she served as an elder, deacon (chair), Sunday School teacher, and choir member, among many other roles. In addition, she served as a Den Mother; and
Whereas, preceded in death by her husband, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Taft Henry, as well as by an infant daughter, Mrs. Henry leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Mevelyn Henry (William F.) Gaither and Jannette Henry (Charles W.) Davenport; five grandchildren, Guillaume, Tevelyn, Teresa, Charlene, and Charles; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends, most particularly the entire McCrorey-Liston School family. She will be greatly 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 passing of Evelyn Dolores Ulmer Henry of Winnsboro, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mevelyn Henry Gaither for the family.
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