A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE CAROLINE DYCHES TURKETT ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, on April 11, 2026, Caroline Dyches Turkett will awaken to the celebration of a milestone event: her 107th birthday; and

 

Whereas, born on April 11, 1919, in the first quarter of the twentieth century, South Carolina native Caroline Dyches Turkett has witnessed the many remarkable social changes, technological advancements, and international developments that have spanned the globe from that time into the first quarter of the twenty-first century; and

 

Whereas, Caroline came into this world the daughter of Joseph E. and Mattie P. Turkett of Wallaceville and enjoyed having six brothers and sisters. She still has one living sister, Frances, who will celebrate her one hundred first birthday in June; and

 

Whereas, the young Caroline attended the local grammar school and Columbia High School, graduating from the latter in 1935. In further preparation for her life's work, she went on to attend Winthrop College, where she was in the Strawberry Leaf Honor Society, and in 1940 she finished her teaching degree at that estimable institution. Caroline immediately began her teaching career in Blenheim while her future husband, Carlos Townsend, was in the Army; and

 

Whereas, having been married from her parents' home after Carlos returned from the war, the newlyweds moved to Woodruff. Carlos Townsend began a career as a South Carolina state trooper that lasted until his retirement. Caroline taught at Southside Elementary for a few years and then taught second grade at Northside Elementary in Woodruff until her 1978 retirement. In all, this beloved teacher served as an educator for thirty-nine years; and

 

Whereas, Caroline was very active at First Presbyterian Church of Woodruff. There, she taught Sunday School from 1955 until 1993 and served as an elder at her church. She received a plaque for her dedicated service; and

 

Whereas, further, Caroline and Carlos were very active in their community and helped troubled teens, young couples, the sick, and others in need. Caroline stayed in touch with a large number of her students and was known as "Granny T" around Woodruff. Caroline and Carlos were married for fifty-five years. Several years after his death in 1999, she moved to West Columbia to be closer to her brother Curtis and her two sisters, Frances and Dessa; and

 

Whereas, since that time she has lived in two retirement homes and has served her fellow residents there, holding Bible studies and singing in the choir. Wherever she lives, she is loved by everyone; and

 

Whereas, over the years, Caroline was an avid gardener, reader, and knitter, and she loved her flower gardens. She sent cards to her friends and family for every occasion or would just write a nice letter. She also loved to cook and shared food from her large garden with neighbors and friends. Caroline is still in good health and amazingly takes no medications. Moreover, she relishes the outdoors and keeps hoping South Carolina will receive a good snow of several inches just once more in her lifetime; and

 

Whereas, it is a great pleasure to honor this daughter of South Carolina at the celebration of her one hundred seventh birthday, and it is a further delight to join with her family and friends in congratulating her on reaching this impressive 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 Caroline Dyches Turkett on the occasion of her one hundred seventh birthday and wish her a joyous birthday celebration and much happiness in the days ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Caroline Dyches Turkett.

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