A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Agnes Gladden Woodard 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 members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are delighted to learn that Agnes Gladden Woodard celebrated her one hundredth birthday at a gala that was held in her honor in Blythewood on September 1, 2025; and

 

Whereas, born on September 2, 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 daughter of Reverend Alfred Sr. and Adia Gaither Gladden, Agnes was born in the Mitford Community of Winnsboro and was grounded from an early age in the values of faith, family, and community care. She was a devoted member of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in her youth; and

 

Whereas, together with her beloved husband, James Woodard Sr., she later joined St. Mark Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for decades as a member of the Missionary Board, the Charity Workers of Ridgeway, and as a beloved mother leader, ultimately becoming the oldest church mother. In these roles, she provided spiritual guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support to women and families within the congregation and beyond; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Woodard returned to school as an adult in 1974 to earn her high school diploma, inspiring others to be lifelong learners with her perseverance and belief in personal growth; and

 

Whereas, she retired as a supervisor from Midlands Center in Columbia and continued to serve her neighbors, whether driving friends to appointments, helping with errands, or organizing breakfast and lunch outings to build connection and joy. She was a quiet but steadfast presence, ensuring that those around her felt valued, supported, and loved; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Woodard's role as a volunteer reached far beyond the church walls when she regularly visited nursing homes to bring residents comfort, prayer, and handcrafted baskets. It became her personal mission to check on other widows in the Simpson community, offering companionship and care during their most difficult seasons. Her tireless service throughout Ridgeway earned her multiple community awards, a testament to her dedication to serving others with generosity, compassion, faith, and a giving spirit; and

 

Whereas, her life's work has been rooted in quiet strength, generosity, and love in actions that included church leadership, community outreach, and simple acts of kindness. Mrs. Woodard has built a legacy of nurturing, encouragement, and steadfast devotion that continues to bless those who have known her; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is 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 Agnes Gladden Woodard of Richland County on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday and to 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 presented to Agnes Gladden Woodard.

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