A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF Jannie L. Vinson Brabham AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jannie L. Vinson Brabham on April 4, 1992; and

 

Whereas, a native of Peeples Township, Mrs. Brabham was born on September 20, 1924, to late parents George Vinson and Katie Catherine Moss. She was lovingly raised by Jacob Rivers Sr., and Edna Crosson Rivers, who nurtured and shaped her into the remarkable woman she would become; and

 

Whereas, she met the man who would become the love of her life in a local five and dime store in Hampton in 1948. In a gesture of sweet simplicity, John Henry Brabham bought her an ice cream, and from that moment a love story began. On January 15, 1949, the two united in holy matrimony, and together they built a loving home and family in Hampton County. Mrs. Brabham was a dedicated mother to her children, Peggy D. Brabham, James H. Brabham, and George T. Brabham, and a cherished stepmother to Catherine Roden, Marvin Brabham, Betty Mitchell, and Harry Brabham; and

 

Whereas, though reserved and quiet by nature, Mrs. Brabham possessed a warmth that drew people close and kept them there. She was deeply devoted to her dear aunts, Elease McBride, Dell Ann Dunbar, Willie Mae Green, and Minnie of Philadelphia. She was also a devoted sister to Elouise Heywood. These cherished family bonds brought her great comfort and love throughout her life. She was also blessed with the lifelong friendships of her beloved best friends, Mrs. Lou Alma Terry and Mrs. Maybelle Williams Cooler, two women who brought her great joy and companionship throughout her life; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Brabham was known throughout her community as a generous and compassionate soul. Whenever a family was in need, she was among the first to arrive, often with a warm, home cooked meal and a comforting presence. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and adored grandmother whose impact extended far beyond the walls of her home; and

 

Whereas, a devout Christian, she was a member of the Church of God in Varnville where she served with pride as an usher for many years; and

 

Whereas, in her free time, Mrs. Brabham enjoyed supporting her community, actively participating in the Booster Club at Wade Hampton High School, where she cheered on her youngest son as he proudly served in the band and on the football field. She also found joy and artistry in quilting, creating works that reflected her patience, creativity, and love; and

 

Whereas, in May 1991, Mrs. Brabham was diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer, a disease her family had never encountered before. Despite enduring aggressive rounds of radiation and chemotherapy with remarkable courage, she passed away on April 4, 1992. Her battle with ovarian cancer, though devastating, became the spark that would ignite a powerful legacy; and

 

Whereas, her granddaughter, Colletta Brabham-Orr, was so deeply moved by her grandmother's illness that she dedicated her life to understanding the disease that took her. Mrs. Brabham-Orr was awarded cancer research fellowships at Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Center and The National Cancer Institute in Washington, D.C. She has been published in scientific journals for her meaningful contributions to ovarian cancer research and is the author of Cancer Doesn't Always Win: A Comprehensive Guide to Beating Breast & Ovarian Cancer. She continues her work as a senior scientist at Merck Pharmaceutical and founded EmpowerHER Health Initiative, a women's health advocacy platform dedicated to educating women about breast and ovarian cancer, health equity, and the power of early detection, carrying her grandmother's memory into every life she touches; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Brabham leaves to cherish her memory her children, Peggy D. Brabham and George T. Brabham; her grandchildren, James A. Brabham, Colletta Brabham-Orr, Janae Brabham, and Jordan Brabham; and her great-grandchildren: Amorde Brabham, Kayla Brabham, Asia Brabham, Ariana Brabham, Ashley Brabham, and Douglas B. Orr IV. She will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Jannie L. Vinson Brabham and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jannie L. Vinson Brabham.

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