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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF PEARL WILLIAMS MOODY, 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 Pearl Williams Moody on December 27, 2021, at the venerable age of eighty-eight; and
Whereas, born September 19, 1933, to Houston and Sallie Williams of Sumter, Pearl was educated in Sumter County and graduated in 1952 from Congruity High School. She received a bachelor's degree in English from Morris College in 1957 and completed further studies at the University of South Carolina, Francis Marion University, University of Tennessee, South Carolina State University, and several other institutions. She often credited her sharecropper parents for ensuring that she had the opportunity to obtain her education as a first-generation college student and for teaching her the value of hard work; and
Whereas, on August 20, 1961, Pearl was joined in holy wedlock to McLendon Moody, and they became the proud parents of a son; and
Whereas, a much beloved and inspiring educator, Mrs. Moody spent fifty years teaching and mentoring generations of students. She began her career in 1958 as a public school teacher in the Britton's Neck/Gresham communities. She taught both English and French at Bethel School, and, after integration, at Brittons Neck High School. From 1970 until her retirement, she served as senior class advisor, mentoring countless students and chaperoning the annual senior trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Pearl's impact on the lives of her students remains immeasurable. During her thirty-four years of teaching in the Britton's Neck/Gresham communities, she was twice honored with surprise appreciation banquets by her former students. Upon retiring, she immediately returned to the classroom and spent an additional sixteen years teaching in the Marion County Alternative School and Adult Education programs; and
Whereas, Pearl, affectionately known as "Sis," gave her life to Christ at an early age upon joining St. Paul AME Church in Sumter. The young Pearl regularly taught children's Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter. Deaconess Moody later became a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Marion, where she faithfully served for nearly sixty years in many capacities, including as president of the Pastor's Support Ministry, teacher for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and member of the choir and of the Missionary Ministry; and
Whereas, in the community, Pearl was a longtime member of the Eastern Star, which she served as worthy matron of Stevenson Chapter #316 and supervising district deputy. She was also a board member for Health Care Partners of South Carolina for over twenty years and a member of the Sumter County SCEA-R. Pearl was fluent in French, an avid gardener, baker, coloratura soprano, amateur organist, seamstress, and skilled writer and editor. She greatly enjoyed watching football and basketball, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones; and
Whereas, preceded in death by her husband and son, she leaves to cherish her memory a beloved niece, Dr. Sonji Williams Garvin Baxter (Reverend John) of the home; a loving sister, Dorothy Williams Thorne; a sister-in-law, Gracie W. Williams; and a host of other family members, friends, colleagues, and former students. 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 Pearl Williams Moody, 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 Dr. Sonji Williams Garvin Baxter for the family.
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