S*0990 Resolution, By Lourie, Alexander, Anderson, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, 
Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Gregory, 
Grooms, Hayes, Hutto, Jackson, Knotts, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Malloy, 
L. Martin, S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Nicholson, O'Dell, 
Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Rose, Ryberg, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, 
Shoopman, Thomas, Verdin and Williams
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JULIA COLSON OF LEXINGTON COUNTY
 FOR HER MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH
 CAROLINA.

   06/28/11  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 4)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JULIA COLSON OF LEXINGTON COUNTY FOR HER MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the members of the South Carolina Senate honor individuals who freely give of their time and resources for the good of others; and

Whereas, Julia Colson of Lexington County has contributed much to her community and to the citizens of the Palmetto State and is thereby worthy of praise; and

Whereas, a retired teacher from Richland County School District One, Mrs. Colson has a passion for helping, one she has followed with dedication for all her eighty-five years. She believes "God put us here to help other people and not so much to serve ourselves"; and

Whereas, volunteering every day except Saturday, and even then if someone needs her, she assists, among other groups, Senior Resources, a nonprofit organization for which she has been making Meals on Wheels deliveries to homebound seniors for over fifteen years. During that time, her efforts have amounted to more than four thousand meals and thousands of smiles to her clients; and

Whereas, because so many need her, she does not limit her time to one organization; rather, she volunteers with several organizations and projects, serving as a chaplain, teacher of English as a second language, tutor, and Sunday School teacher to internationals at First Baptist Church in Columbia, in addition to making her deliveries for Meals on Wheels; and

Whereas, she calls it her mission to make a difference in the life of someone every day. She fulfills her mission so well that if for some reason she doesn't come on a particular day, her clients call to check on her; and

Whereas, in the process of carrying out her volunteer work, Julia Colson possibly may have saved several of her clients' lives. On two occasions when she opened the door of a home, she smelled gas. The utility company was notified, and the problem was corrected before harm could come to the residents; and

Whereas, because her heart is so involved in her volunteer work, Mrs. Colson refuses to let anything stop her from volunteering, be it the weather or how she feels. Last year, for example, she scheduled her radiation treatments for cancer around her volunteer duties. Today, she continues volunteering daily as she awaits results of yet another cancer diagnosis; and

Whereas, this caring woman quietly and faithfully serves others, not expecting or needing accolades, but her committed service has not been overlooked by her many admirers. Most recently, she was named a winner in Central Carolina Community Foundation and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine's Best of Philanthropy Awards: Honoring Our Community Champions; and

Whereas, the members of the Senate recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Julia Colson, who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Julia Colson of Lexington County for her many years of outstanding community service to the people of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Julia Colson.