A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF MARY E. PRAILLEAU 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 Senate were deeply saddened by the passing of Mary E. Prailleau of Winnsboro on June 19, 2024, at the age of 81; and

 

Whereas, Mary lived a life of service to her family, community, and church. She was born on February 4, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but from the age of two was raised in Winnsboro, when Florence Jackson Belton, her great-aunt, assumed guardianship of young Mary after the passing of her mother, Mozelle Clark; and

 

Whereas, Mary was a lifelong member of two-hundred-year-old Blackjack Baptist Church, where members of her family were among the church's founders. In 1960, she graduated from the all-black Fairfield High School and became an active member of the Fairfield Alumni Association, for which she often led efforts to support alumni events, including their fabulous class reunions and the renovation of the school's only remaining academic building. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over fifty years; and

 

Whereas, on December 9, 1961, Mary married Paul E. Prailleau and gave him sixty-three years of support and love in a no-nonsense marriage. Mary loved her children with a fierce and honest love. She instilled in them an understanding that they must excel and be leaders, but if any one of them strayed from her guidance, she did all in her power to get that child back on track. Her grandchildren are carrying on her expectations of excellence. Further, she was a community mother and grandmother to many that she loved and cherished as her own children and grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, Mary's upbringing significantly influenced her lifelong dedication to helping others. She grew up in a household with an open-door policy, where community members were always welcome to food, shelter, or assistance in times of need. This early exposure to generosity and community support instilled in Mary a fundamental belief that everyone must do their part to help others, and her convictions carried into her dedication to her church. An active leader at Blackjack Baptist Church, she served as a deaconess and on the church's Missionary Board, Senior Choir, and Food Service Committee. She prioritized the fundamental needs of her church to ensure continuity of the legacy her family had helped start more than two centuries ago; and

 

Whereas, the legacy of love and support started by Mary's aunt led Mary to a life of service manifested in her career of thirty-five years with the Fairfield County School District. There, she employed countless people in the community, giving them an opportunity to care for their families. She built a reputation as someone who was always willing to give those in need an opportunity, but she also insisted on excellence from her staff; and

 

Whereas, recognized as an instrumental leader across Fairfield County, as well as a voice for the voiceless, Mary lived in such a way that her impact on the community will be remembered with gratitude for years to come; and

 

Whereas, Mary Prailleau leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Paul E. Prailleau; her children, Billie R. Prailleau, Paul K. Prailleau, Florence Prailleau Franklin, Sandy D. Prailleau, Cherry A. Prailleau, Shawn C. Prailleau; her grandchildren, Donald T. Franklin III, Brishondra M. Prailleau, Paul K. Prailleau III, Patrice K. Prailleau, Callan A. Prailleau, and Patrick K. Prailleau; and a host of other family members and friends, along with an entire community that loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Mary E. Prailleau 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 the family.

----XX----