A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Mother Jennie D. Mixon ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND CONTINUED HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are delighted to learn that Mother Jennie D. Mixon of Richland County will celebrate her one hundredth birthday on April 13, 2026. Born in Mayfield, Georgia, in the first quarter of the twentieth century, Mrs. Mixon 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 Doss Grier and Pinkie Jackson Grier, she was born on April 13, 1926, and was reared in a large and loving family as the eighth of fifteen siblings. She is the last living sibling to carry on their legacy and memories, an integral part of her story. Having experienced early in life the realities of poverty, discrimination, and segregation, she developed resilience to adversity; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Mixon was married to the late Elijah Dingle, and together they reared five biological children, and she had four adopted children. After his tragic death at the age of twenty-seven, she married Reverend James Mixon, and they shared a life committed to service and community before he passed away in 2003. They served as foster parents in Richland County for more than fifty-five years. These family relationships have contributed greatly to the rich tapestry of her life; and

 

Whereas, she has been blessed to see her loving family legacy continued in the lives of eighteen devoted grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, nineteen great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Mixon desired to obtain knowledge despite her many obstacles, being unable to attend school regularly because she worked in the cotton fields. When she could attend, she endured a long, tiring walk to school, yet she was not deterred. She moved to Columbia, seeking greater educational opportunities, and there she met her first husband, Elijah Dingle; and

 

Whereas, she and Reverend Mixon founded Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Hopkins, and she named the church Unity to reflect her belief in peace amidst conflict, love where there is hatred, and forgiveness in the face of injury. A devoted Christian, she actively engages in the church and community, offering the congregation wisdom and spiritual guidance as church mother. She participates in the Jubilee Choir, the missionary ministry, and the P.E.P. Senior Ministry; and

 

Whereas, her desire for education led her to pursue studies at Columbia High Adult School, Lower Richland Adult Education, and Midlands Technical College. Her perseverance and hard work enabled her to own and operate two convalescent homes in Blythewood, two daycare centers in Columbia, and a convenience store and a fish market; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Mixon often says, "Enjoy Life!" reflecting that she embraces each day, finds joy in life's journey, and encourages others to cherish each moment. Her favorite Scripture is Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me"; 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 Mother Jennie D. Mixon 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 Mother Jennie D. Mixon.

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