A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Deborah Ann McPherson Crawford OF SUMMERVILLE, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Deborah Ann McPherson Crawford of Summerville at the age of 70; and

Whereas, affectionately known as Debbie, Edisto Island native Deborah Ann McPherson Crawford came into this world on December 23, 1952, the fifth of eight children born to Joseph and the late Ethel McPherson. At an early age, Deborah committed her life to Christ and grew up attending Sunday School and several other church activities. Her early education took place at Jane Edwards Elementary School on Edisto Island. A graduate of Baptist Hill High School on Yonges Island, Deborah wanted to be a fashion designer. But God had other plans; and

Whereas, upon high school graduation in 1970, Deborah was accepted into Wilberforce University in Ohio, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education. While at Wilberforce, Deborah joined Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship and there formed lasting friendships. She served as president of the illustrious Palmetto Graduate Chapter of this organization in Charleston; and

Whereas, as a newly fledged educator, she began her career teaching special education. She started her service as a public school teacher at Jane Edwards Elementary School and completed it at Rollings Elementary in Summerville, where she taught middle school math. Along the way, Deborah furthered her education by completing the requirements for Middle School Math Instructor Certification at The Citadel and Special Education Certification at the College of Charleston; and

Whereas, this servant-hearted teacher was also a member of the YWCA Board, local delegate for the SCEA/Teacher Association, and PTA treasurer. A visible role model, she wanted to encourage and support the advancement of young Black students to make sure they knew they could achieve anything they put their minds to; and

Whereas, in 2004, following a stellar thirty-year career as a classroom teacher, Debbie retired from the public schools and desired to have a different impact on the town in which she lived. Seeking to help people throughout the Dorchester County community, she served as vice president of the Summerville District I Civic Association, treasurer of the Summerville Councilman's Ball, and a member of the Accommodations Assessment Tax Board. She was successful in assisting senior citizens with completing forms and applications for special programs and services in rural areas; and

Whereas, at home, Debbie was the devoted wife of Robert Crawford and the proud mother of two children. After her marriage in 1982, Debbie transferred her church membership to St. Matthew Baptist Church, where she served as secretary to the Women's Ministry Executive Board, chair to the Deaconess Ministry, and director of the Celestial and Sunbeam Choir, among numerous other positions of service. She also served as a Charleston County Missionary Baptist Association delegate; and

Whereas, for her faithful labors, Debbie was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. She was most appreciative of being named Mother of the Year (1990) and PTA Teacher of the Year and was especially grateful on receiving a community service award and the Swing Phi Swing National Service Award; and

Whereas, Debbie leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Deacon Robert E. Crawford, Sr.; her adoring daughter, Lauren Crawford; her dear son, Robert Crawford, Jr.; an adorable granddaughter, Riley; and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Deborah Ann McPherson Crawford of Summerville, celebrate her life, 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.

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