A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Juanita Therese Brown Hartley Bryson ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND MANY YEARS OF CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is delighted to learn that Juanita Therese Brown Hartley Bryson of Richland County was honored on July 26, 2025, for the celebration of her one hundredth birthday; and

 

Whereas, born on July 23, 1925, 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 first child of William "Junior" and Annie "Blossom" Green Brown, Juanita was reared in the Taylors Community of Columbia and commenced her early childhood education in the primer at Taylor's School. She enjoyed spending her early years close to the State Fairgrounds with her maternal grandparents, Papa Ben and Grandma Rosa, who watched after her while her mother taught; and

 

Whereas, during those years, her father continued to work on a large family estate in Saluda County, but he desired for his family to be together in one location, as it was at that time a long, difficult journey between Columbia and Saluda due to the poor roads; and

 

Whereas, Juanita transferred to Batesburg-Leesville schools where she completed her K-11 education before schools switched to K-12 education, and instead of walking a half mile to schools in Columbia, she had to walk five miles each way in the country; and

 

Whereas, as a young child, Juanita assisted with the care of her seven younger siblings: sisters Audrey, Lovie, Zenobia, Delaine, Evaughn, and Helen, and brother Charles. After high school, she married Matthew Hartley Sr., and they were blessed with nine children: sons James, Matthew Jr., John, Christopher, Vinson, and Vernon, and daughters Shirley, Alice, and Sandra; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Hartley was known for her keen cooking skills, especially baking wedding cakes and her homecooked meals for anyone stopping by her home at a moment's notice. She worked at numerous jobs, including as a domestic worker, seamstress, an employee at Garber's Clothing store, a factory worker at Knight's Industries, and an employee at Harris Shealy Furniture Company. She also served for many years as a case worker with the Lexington County Department of Social Services (DSS); and 

 

Whereas, Mrs. Hartley returned to live in Columbia in 1977 on her late maternal grandparent's land in the Taylors community, and she retired from DSS in 1983. After retiring, she married Ezell Bryson and was blessed with a bonus daughter, Ella Dean Wider; a grandson, Gary Wider; and a bonus niece, Barbara Suber, all of whom she enjoyed over the years; and

 

Whereas, she was delighted in all of her fine children: all six of her sons served in various branches of the military, and her daughters and bonus daughter held jobs in careers, such as teaching, ministry, and state and local government. She has been blessed to see the continuation of her loving family legacy in over one hundred grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately call her MommaNita; and

 

Whereas, living by the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," Mrs. Bryson regularly attended churches throughout her life and is now a member of Second Union Baptist Church in Columbia. She enjoyed travel across the United States and abroad and loves to read; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate 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 Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Juanita Therese Brown Hartley Bryson on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday and wish her a joyous birthday celebration and many years of continued health and happiness.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Juanita Therese Brown Hartley Bryson.

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