TO CONGRATULATE EUNICE LOUISE GILBERT MAYFIELD ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Whereas, on November 10, 2021, Eunice Louise Gilbert Mayfield will awaken to the celebration of a milestone event: her one hundredth birthday; and

Whereas, born in Campobello, Louise came into this world on November 10, 1921, the daughter of Andrew Gilbert and Eudora McMakin Gilbert. At the age of six weeks, baby Louise and her family moved to Arkansas; when she was fourteen years old, the family, including Louise's brother, Carl, and her sister, Ruby Mae, returned to South Carolina; and

Whereas, in the fullness of time, Louise wed Joe Mayfield on December 23, 1955, at the home of the pastor of Holly Springs Baptist church. The Lord blessed the couple with daughters Susan Thompson and Cheryl McPhee (Gordon), as well as with grandchildren Briana Wright (Lance), Lauren Torres (Erick), Mark Thompson (Lacey), and Brad Thompson (Ariana). In addition, Louise is "Mimee" to great-grandchildren Addison Thompson, Calleigh Wright, Luke Thompson, Caide Wright, Barrett Thompson, Noah Torres, and Mack Thompson. Louise and Joe enjoyed fifty-four years together before his passing in 2010; and

Whereas, after Louise's graduation from Holly Springs High School and North Greenville College, she returned to the Holly Springs community to teach. She taught at Holly Springs and Holly Springs-Motlow until her retirement in 1986, a total of thirty-eight years; and

Whereas, as a woman of faith, Louise was always devoted to Holly Springs Baptist Church, where she served as a preschool Sunday School teacher for many years. She also served as a Vacation Bible School teacher and Adult Ladies Class teacher and took on various other jobs within the church; and

Whereas, a dedicated daughter and sister, she helped take care of her mother, Eudora, who lived to the age of one hundred four, and her brother, Carl, after he was diagnosed with cancer; and

Whereas, Louise and Joe were avid gardeners and loved sharing the fruits of their labor with friends and family. She relished growing roses, and upon her move to Rolling Green Village, she assisted for several years with the care of the rose garden, which included cutting and arranging flowers and placing them throughout the facilities. She also enjoyed helping take care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them about nature, and doing science experiments with them; and

Whereas, further, Louise loved reading and studying her Bible and visiting with friends and relatives. She made her first airplane flight in her 90s, when she, along with her sister, Ruby, went to visit family in Arkansas. She always says her greatest contribution to others is to be an encourager; and

Whereas, it is a great pleasure to honor this daughter of South Carolina at the celebration of her one hundredth birthday and to join with her family and friends in congratulating her on reaching this important life milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Eunice Louise Gilbert Mayfield on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday and wish her a joyous birthday celebration and much happiness in the days ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Eunice Louise Gilbert Mayfield.