Bill Text: SC S0748 | 2019-2020 | 123rd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Wilhelmina Davis
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-04-09 - Introduced and adopted [S0748 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2019-S0748-Introduced.html
A SENATE RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF WILHELMINA DAVIS OF RICHLAND COUNTY, TO HONOR HER STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO THE MEMBERS OF THIS CHAMBER, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were genuinely saddened to learn of the death of Wilhelmina Davis, affectionately known as "Mema," at the age of seventy-two on April 3, 2019; and
Whereas, born on March 27, 1947, she was the third of six children born to Jessie Lee and Matthew J. Davis and was a proud graduate of C. A. Johnson High School; and
Whereas, known for her style, professionalism, and command of words from a young age, Ms. Davis started her career with Richland District One School System, working in the front office at Hopkins Junior High School; and
Whereas, after studying briefly at Palmer College, she started as an administrative assistant at Benedict College and later became supervisor of the word-processing center, responsible for a large staff and pre-Internet high technology and holding high standards for herself and her staff, many of whom were students; and
Whereas, an active member of the Heart of the Midlands Chapter of the American Business Women's Association, Ms. Davis won great admiration during her years at Benedict through her quick wit and attention to detail; and
Whereas, she was a natural fit when she entered the world of politics in the late 1980s through her service in the administrative office of former South Carolina Governor Dick Riley; and
Whereas, Ms. Davis continued her service to the Palmetto State as an administrative assistant to Senator Theo Mitchell in the South Carolina Senate, and later several senators benefitted from her impeccable professional skills when she served as an executive administrative assistant to Senators Darrell Jackson, Kay Patterson, John Scott, Kevin Johnson, and McKinley Washington, Jr.; and
Whereas, a mighty force in the Senate, Ms. Davis set high standards for interns and college students who came through the Senate, but her passion was in serving constituents: helping working mothers succeed, hungry students find a meal, and elderly seniors stay in their homes; and
Whereas, a classy lady who never left home without being well groomed, Ms. Davis donned a unique and attractive style that included beautiful jewelry, colorful scarfs, high heels, and fashionable suits, yet she used her extensive skills to establish her own network of services in order to help those less fortunate; and
Whereas, her only child, Cindy Smith of Washington, D. C., gave her great joy, along with her son-in-law, Gilbert, and her granddaughter, Lauren Jessica Smith, and Ms. Davis often visited them in the nation's capital to enjoy the blessings of family; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is grateful for the life and legacy of Wilhelmina Davis and for the example of service and kindness she set for those who knew her. 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 Wilhelmina Davis of Richland County, honor her steadfast commitment to the members of this chamber, and extend their deepest sympathy to her loving family and her many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Wilhelmina Davis.
