A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Dorothy Chapman Sulton Davenport OF Newberry COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND much HAPPINESS in the days ahead.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are delighted to learn that Dorothy Chapman Sulton Davenport celebrated her one hundredth birthday on February 7, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born on February 7, 1926, in the first quarter of the twentieth century, she 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, the daughter of sharecroppers Leo and Viola Chapman, the young Dorothy was born in Little Mountain in Newberry County and was the seventh of eight siblings. She is the last living sibling to carry on their legacy and memories, an integral part of her story; and

 

Whereas, she learned early in life the value of family. She is a proud and devoted mother of three biological children: Linda S. Owens of Charlotte, North Carolina; Dorothy S. Roberson of Columbia; and Calvin Davenport III of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and one adopted son, Thomas C. Chapman of Wilmington, North Carolina. She has been blessed to see her loving family legacy continued in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Davenport has held several positions during her career, but the most gratifying was as an educator, leaving a profound impact on the lives of countless students. For thirty years she worked for Richland School District One and after retiring, she continued to be a pillar of wisdom and guidance for her family; and

 

Whereas, inspiring others to be lifelong learners with her perseverance and belief in personal growth, Mrs. Davenport returned to school as an adult, enrolling in night school to earn her high school diploma. She later attended Preston College in Columbia where she received her nursing assistant certificate; and

 

Whereas, she has had a lifelong passion for bowling and could be found regularly at the lanes enjoying friendly competition. Her steady alto voice has graced the St. John Baptist Church Jubilee Choir and the City Baptist Jubilee Choir, reflecting her quiet faith and devotion; and

 

Whereas, finding happiness in simple things, Mrs. Davenport tended her garden with her green thumb. She gardened and preserved her harvest through canning or freezing vegetables. Her pear preserves were special treats in her larder; and

 

Whereas, she is known for her love of conversation, cherishing long phone calls with friends and family, and keeping connections alive with her great sense of humor. Her beautiful blend of dedication, joy, and connection are an extraordinary legacy to the many who have been blessed to know and love her; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to honor this daughter of South Carolina at the celebration of her one hundredth birthday and join with her family and friends in congratulating her on reaching this extraordinary 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 Dorothy Chapman Sulton Davenport of Newberry County on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday and wish her a joyous birthday celebration and continued health and happiness.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dorothy Chapman Sulton Davenport.

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