A house RESOLUTION

 

to express profound SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING of Joyce Gardner Mcdonald, to REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE her LIFE, and to EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joyce Gardner McDonald on April 4, 2026, at the age of seventy-nine; and

 

Whereas, born on January 21, 1947, in Bethune, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Lawrence Lawson Gardner and Annie Gaskins Gardner and grew up in a close-knit rural community that helped shape her strong character and work ethic; and

 

Whereas, a proud graduate of Bethune High School, where she distinguished herself as both a basketball player and cheerleader, Joyce went on to attend Columbia Commercial College, completing a two-year secretarial program in just one year, eager to begin her professional journey; and

 

Whereas, she embarked upon a successful and varied career in business, serving as secretary to Colonel Robert Johnson, Commander of McEntire Air National Guard Base, and later as administrative assistant to Columbia Mayor Kirkman Finlay Jr., demonstrating exceptional skills and dedication in public service. In recognition of her excellence, she was named "Secretary of the Year" in 1983 by the Columbia Chapter of the National Association of Secretaries; and

 

Whereas, after relocating to Batesburg-Leesville, Joyce continued her professional pursuits while contributing significantly to her community, including serving as president of the Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce in 1987, where she played a key role in enhancing local events and civic life; and

 

Whereas, Joyce devoted more than thirty years to a distinguished career as a life insurance agent and financial advisor, holding leadership roles with New York Life Insurance Company and Principal Financial Group, where she was widely respected for her expertise and professionalism; and

 

Whereas, she furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Insurance and Risk Management, from the University of South Carolina in 1999, and achieved the prestigious Chartered Life Underwriter designation that same year; and

 

Whereas, her leadership extended to her service as president of the Columbia Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, reflecting her commitment to excellence in her field; and

 

Whereas, a woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion, Joyce Gardner McDonald was known for her strength, perseverance, and loving spirit, especially throughout her courageous ten-year battle with Alzheimer's disease; and

 

Whereas, she found her greatest joy in her family, cherishing her role as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and steadfast support; and

 

Whereas, she is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-three years, Marion McDonald; her daughter, Angie Leidinger and her husband, Steven; her cherished granddaughter, Lawson; and her sister, Phyllis Benton; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Joyce Gardner McDonald and for the example of service and kindness she set for all who knew her. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Joyce Gardner McDonald, remember and celebrate her life, and extend deepest sympathy to her loving family and her many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Joyce Gardner McDonald.

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