A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF Evelyn Bennett Guile AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Evelyn Bennett Guile on March 23, 2025; and

 

Whereas, a native of Florence County, Mrs. Guile was born on February 11, 1918, to parents Naomi Lane Bennett and Norfal Bennett; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Guile started her own business by opening the first sewing shop in the Florence area. She provided dressmaking and alteration services to patrons, both Black and white, during what was still a very segregated era. She excelled in the profession and business for over fifty years. She would later teach sewing classes at a major sewing machine manufacturer; and

 

Whereas, a civic leader, Mrs. Guile and her husband, who served as the local NAACP president, were strong supporters and advocates for civil rights in and era when African Americans' access to public facilities were limited. Mrs. and Mr. Guile opened their home to many civil rights workers, including such leaders as Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Mitchell, Benjamin E. Mays, and Horace Mann Bond. They spent many hours, days, and years working to improve the quality of life for African Americans in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, a devout Christian, she was an active member of her church and dedicated herself to involvement and service through many roles and responsibilities. She served as stewardess her entire adult life and contributed to the church by refurbishing and finishing the church meeting room, which has been named in her husband's honor; and

 

Whereas, throughout her life, Mrs. Guile shared her many gifts and talents, including clothing and hat design, macrame, decoupage, cake decorating, ceramics, painting. At the young age of sixty, she developed a true passion for china painting; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Guile was a world traveler. She visited all seven continents at least once and explored parts of the world in her camper. She also enjoyed playing competitive bridge, taking classes and continuing to embrace technology, taking fitness classes, and encouraging everyone around her to strengthen themselves through education; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Guile married the late Earl Ernest Guile in 1936, and together they had a daughter, Georgia Naomi Guile; a son, Earl Ernest Guile Jr.; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Evelyn Bennett Guile 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 of Evelyn Bennett Guile.

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