A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE PATRICIA MARIE BLASSINGAME OF ORANGEBURG ON THE OCCASION OF HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, on February 14, 2026, Patricia Marie Blassingame of Orangeburg will awaken to the celebration of a milestone event, her ninetieth birthday; and

 

Whereas, born in Taylors, South Carolina, Patricia Marie Blassingame, née Bennett, came into this world on February 14, 1936, the second daughter of twins born to Julius Thomas Cleveland Bennett and Pleasant Marie Bennett; and

 

Whereas, reared in the Taylors community, Patricia joined St. Matthews United Methodist Church in her hometown at an early age. Upon moving to Orangeburg, she joined New Mount Zion Baptist Church and later joined Unity Fellowship Community Church. She is a faithful member of the Bible study and discipleship ministries and serves as a deaconess, church choir member, and member of the usher board; and

 

Whereas, the young Patricia received her elementary and secondary education at Taylors Rosenwald School. In pursuit of higher education, she attended South Carolina State College, where she received a bachelor's degree in physical education and biology, as well as a master's degree in elementary and secondary counseling and guidance. Later, she earned an Ed.S. degree in administration; and

 

Whereas, on August 1, 1959, in Taylors, Patricia was united in holy matrimony with James Ray Blassingame, the Lord blessing their union with two children, Diane Blassingame Wallace and Dion Blassingame. In God's good time, the senior Blassingames were further blessed with two grandchildren, Germani and Dallas Ray. The kind, servant-hearted Patricia joyfully and sacrificially supported and nurtured her family. Her close relationship with God kept her marriage strong, and she gave her children spiritual training to develop their relationship with Christ; and

 

Whereas, as a dedicated educator, Patricia had a strong love for children, and she began her career in Seneca teaching physical education at Blue Ridge High School. Upon moving to Orangeburg, she continued to teach in the Orangeburg County Schools. After many years of teaching physical education, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor; and

 

Whereas, she is a member of the South Carolina Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, South Carolina Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa Professional Fraternity, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; and

 

Whereas, to honor Patricia at this very special time in her life, family and friends will join with her, as well as with her twin sister, Delores Peoples, to celebrate the sisters' joint Valentine's Day ninetieth birthday on February 14, 2026; and

 

Whereas, it is a great pleasure for the House to honor this lovely daughter of South Carolina at the celebration of her ninetieth birthday, and it is a further pleasure 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 Patricia Marie Blassingame of Orangeburg on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday and wish her much happiness in the days ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Patricia Marie Blassingame.

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