A senate RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF Mary Magdaline White 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 Mary Magdaline White on May 10, 2024 following a battle with progressive stage IV breast cancer and leptomeningeal disease; and

Whereas, a native of Orangeburg, Ms. White was born on September 23, 1967 to parents Shirley and Arthur Gardner Jr. She graduated from Orangeburg Wilkinson High School in 1985 and continued her education by graduating from Claflin University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She gained her Master of Science in Transportation and Civil Engineering from South Carolina State University in 2017; and

Whereas, throughout her lifetime, Ms. White found her calling in serving students in need of a helping hand. She has worked in various school settings such as Voorhees College, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School, Brookdale Elementary, and most recently at South Carolina State University (SCSU); and

Whereas, affectionately known as "Mama White" by many students at SCSU, Ms. White has been employed at SCSU for over twenty years, serving as secretary in Brooks Health Center, Student Service Program Coordinator for the Dr. Emily E. Clyburn Honors College, and most recently she was promoted to the role of Dean of Students for SCSU; and

Whereas, Ms. White was known for going the extra mile to help anyone in need. She had a loving spirit, and she made friends easily. She was always willing to listen to any problem, big or small, and do her best to provide a solution, advice, hug, and encouraging words; and

Whereas, Ms. White was rarely seen without a smile, always ready to share a laugh, and quick to say her favorite phrase "Jesus Fix It." Those fortunate enough to know her praise her dedication to student success and guidance, her joyous and loving spirit, and her commitment and love for Christ and her children; and

Whereas, over the years, Ms. White received a number of honors and awards, including being recognized as the 2019 Staff Employee of the Year for the Division of Academic Affairs as well as the 2019 University Staff Employee of the Year; and

Whereas, a devout Christian, she was a member of Cornerstone Community Church; and

Whereas, in her free time, she enjoyed listening to music, cooking, laughing, and praying with family and friends, babysitting her grandchildren, going to the beach, and traveling; and

Whereas, Ms. White leaves to cherish her memory her children, Valerie E. Nwadeyi, Deloris U. Nwadeyi, Maryah A. Smith, Jeremiah R. Brown; brother, Willie C. White; nephew, Jamerial B. White; grandchildren, Zuri P. Smith and Kevin J. Smith III; son-in-law, Kevin J. Smith II; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, loving students, and dear friends. 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 Mary Magdaline White 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 Mary Magdaline White.

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