TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE MRS. EULA MAE GRAHAM CUMMINGS ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDRED THIRD BIRTHDAY ON JUNE 22, 2018, AND TO WISH HER MANY MORE YEARS OF HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of the Palmetto State deem it absolutely fitting and appropriate to pause in their deliberations to celebrate Mrs. Eula Mae Graham Cummings for achieving the incredible milestone of turning one hundred three on June 22, 2018; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cummings was born on June 22, 1915, in Florence County, as the seventh child of the late Walter and Rebecca Kennedy Graham. She was reared on the family farm that her parents owned along with her three brothers, Troy, Wilbur, and Nathaniel Graham, and her four sisters, Bessie Graham, Allie Graham Haynesworth, Greatha Graham Barr, and Rosa Belle Graham Saunders; and

Whereas, she received her formal education at the Elim School, where she excelled in all her studies. She also played basketball and was best-known for her quick wit in acting and the recitation of poetry; and

Whereas, in 1940, she was joined in holy matrimony with William Wallace Cummings, Sr. Together, they had six wonderful children, Troy (Sunny), Gladys, Mariscia, William (Billy), Gerald, and Michael. In April 1962, Mr. Cummings passed, and Eula had to go to work to provide for her children. She worked many jobs throughout the years, including housework, cleaning offices, and working at a daycare center, school cafeteria, and Young's Pecan Company. Her last job before retirement was at McCall's Farm in Effingham, South Carolina; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cummings enjoys church and accepted Christ at an early age. She attends St. Matthews United Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic and faithfully serves as the mother of the church, a member of the Women Council, the Missionary Auxiliary, and is an ex-officio member of the usher board and the communion board; and

Whereas, Eula believes in letting her light shine. She loves the Lord and enjoys serving Him and her church. She has a genuine love for others and has evidenced this by visiting and caring for the sick by cooking and bringing them food, cleaning their houses, or whatever else she can do to help those in need. She even learned how to drive at the age of sixty-two to better help those less fortunate. She continued to drive herself until the age of ninety-eight when the begging of her children led her to reluctantly release her keys, though her car still stays parked in her yard; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cummings has been a licensed foster mother to many children and continues to be in their lives as Grandma. She has instilled the desire and drive in each of her children to pursue an education and attend college, even though she never had the opportunity to do so. All six of her children graduated from high school, five graduated from college, and two went on to earn their doctoral degrees; and

Whereas, she is very active at the Northwest Senior Center, participating in many of their activities. She loves growing flowers, taking care of her many cats, sewing, fishing, cooking, and entertaining others in her home with a hot, southern meal. She continues to cook her "Special Old Fashion Fruitcake" for family and friends during the Christmas holiday. She also loves travelling and has visited many states in the United States; and

Whereas, she continues to counsel young men and women, encouraging them and providing support materially as well as spiritually. She has been a blessing to those in her life and has dedicated herself to the selfless care of others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor and celebrate Mrs. Eula Mae Graham Cummings on the occasion of her one hundred third birthday on June 22, 2018, and wish her many more years of happiness and fulfillment.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Eula Mae Graham Cummings.