A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE TAYLORS NATIVE DELORES ANNETTE PEOPLES ON THE OCCASION OF HER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, on February 14, 2026, Delores Annette Peoples will awaken to the celebration of a milestone event, her ninetieth birthday; and

 

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

 

Whereas, reared in the Taylors community, Delores joined St. Matthews United Methodist Church in her hometown at an early age. Upon moving to Columbia, Maryland, she attended church at Fort Meade Chapel and later joined First Baptist Church of Guilford (FBCOG). She is president emerita of the FBCOG Senior Usher Board, as well as a faithful member of the church's Bible study ministry, FBCOG Angelic Voices Church Choir, and adult Sunday school; and

 

Whereas, Delores completed her elementary and secondary education at Taylors Rosenwald School, after which she attended Morris College and later South Carolina State College, the latter awarding her a bachelor's degree in physical education. She also received a master's degree in elementary and secondary education from Loyola University in Columbia, Maryland; and

 

Whereas, in the fullness of time, the young Delores met John L. Peoples Jr. of Timmonsville, and the two were wed on May 27, 1960, in Taylors. The Lord blessed the couple with four children, Gerald Peoples, Carmen Peoples Boggs, Alden Peoples, and Michelle Peoples Simpson, as well as with two grandchildren, Corey Boggs Blue and Jonathan Boggs. This affectionate, joyful mother and grandmother, who nurtured her family with sacrificial service and support, found her strong relationship with God to be a cornerstone in her marriage and in rearing her children. She strove to imbue the latter with godly principles so that they might develop their own relationship with Christ. She continues to walk in humility and compassion for her family and those around her and is always willing to give freely of her time and talents; and

 

Whereas, as an educator, Delores devoted her time to instructing and mentoring children. She began her career overseas in AFCENT, the Netherlands. It was a unique opportunity for Delores, as the spouse of a servicemember, to teach at U.S. Department of Defense schools. Upon returning stateside with her husband and family, Delores took up her duties as a teacher at Jeffers Hill Elementary School in Columbia, Maryland. She continued to teach throughout the schools of Howard County, Maryland, in a tenure that spanned thirty years; and

 

Whereas, to honor Delores at this very special time in her life, family and friends will join with her, as well as with her twin sister, Patricia Blassingame, 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 Taylors native Delores Annette Peoples 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 Delores Annette Peoples.

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