A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MAJOR GLADYS GAILLARD-MCBRIDE (RET.) OF CHAPIN FOR EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS THROUGH ESTABLISHING THE SISTERHOOD OF MCDANIEL'S PEARLS & TEA IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives takes great pleasure to learn that Major Gladys Gaillard-McBride (Ret.) of Chapin, using her distinguished career experiences and knowledge, has empowered South Carolina women and girls through establishing the sisterhood of McDaniel's Pearls & Tea; and

 

Whereas, Gladys Gaillard McBride is a proud daughter of Columbia, South Carolina. She was born on May 20, 1947, the ninth of Charlie L. and Anner C. McDaniel's eleven children. Birthed in Ward One at 818 Lincoln Street, reared in a loving family, and nurtured in a strong, close-knit community, she was destined to be a role model for women who embody the spirit of selfless giving; and

 

Whereas, after graduating in the Class of 1965 from Booker T. Washington High School, Gladys started her nursing education at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and in 1969 graduated from the first LPN program that admitted African American students. In 1974, after expressing her desire to rise in her profession, she joined the Army Reserves. In 1977, she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from MUSC and went on full active duty in the United States Army as a second lieutenant; and

 

Whereas, between her first active-duty station at Columbia's Fort Jackson to her last at Fort Moore, Georgia, Gladys earned a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Troy State University. She has held countless roles as an Army nurse, including ER nurse, hospital supervisor, officer in charge of burn unit flight team, medical surgical inpatient supervisor, 209th chief nurse, and ROTC consultant, to name a few. During time of war, Gladys was deployed to noncombat zones to retrieve burn patients. Her retirement in 1997 marked the end of a distinguished military career and the beginning of a new journey; and

 

Whereas, known to be a classy lady by her five adult children, twenty grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, Gladys can always be seen wearing a string of pearls. She believes in the sentiment of her late mother, Anner Clay, that "a real lady never leaves home without her pearls"; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates Major Gladys Gaillard-McBride for her commitment to empowered South Carolina women and girls through establishing the sisterhood of McDaniel's Pearls & Tea. Since 2014, on the third Saturday of October, Gladys has hosted the McDaniel's Tea & Pearls event in honor of her mother and all McDaniel women who have passed away. Elegantly costumed in pearls, stylish hats, and dresses while seated at tables each of which is adorned with a white linen tablecloth, a single red rose, and real china teacups, women and young girls are served afternoon tea and sandwiches. During the tea party, women are encouraged to share knowledge, wisdom, and ideas and to remember those who have impacted their lives. The girls, 12 years of age, are individually presented with a single strand of pearls by their mothers and Gladys, who share what pearls represent and how love and respect for themselves and the sisterhood are essential in the transition of young girls into ladies who know who they are as women. Over the past ten years, different guest speakers have been invited to the tea party to share their pearls of knowledge, experience, and information on topics such as the importance of women's health, why women should register to vote, the power of a woman's vote, finances and investing, loving yourself as a woman, and loving and caring for the family and the sisterhood. Former and future attendees much anticipate the McDaniel's Pearls & Tea annual tea party.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Major Gladys Gaillard McBride (Ret.) of Chapin for empowering women and girls through establishing the sisterhood of McDaniel's Pearls & Tea in the State of South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Major Gladys Gaillard McBride (Ret.).

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