x-sender: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com x-receiver: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com Received: from mail pickup service by sc.lmhostediq.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Wed, 9 Dec 2015 21:39:38 -0500 thread-index: AdEy9AOyWghjLDI1QrGmErp33LDRcw== Thread-Topic: 100 Birthday From: To: Subject: 100 Birthday Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2015 21:39:38 -0500 Message-ID: <3174896AED094E08891DFB701C38867F@IQ12> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Windows 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.1.7601.17609 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 10 Dec 2015 02:39:38.0822 (UTC) FILETIME=[03D5FE60:01D132F4] CUSTOM Mrs. Mary Ruth Harper 110 Cue Street Orangeburg SC 29115 royaldp@aol.com 703-283-4037 PROC 100 Birthday 74.254.67.98 Proclamation 100th Birthday Celebration Mary Ruth Quattlebaum Harper WHEREAS on August 20, 1915, Mary Ruth was born to Wesley and Lillie May Quattlebaum in Cordova, SC, the oldest of their 3 children; and WHEREAS, she grew up in a loving household near a railroad. Mrs. Harper and her brothers George and William (Bill) formed a quartet group in which they traveled to various churches singing; and WHEREAS, she graduated from Old Field Public School. At that time, school only went through the ninth grade and lasted from October to December. Students did not attend school during the farming season, and both her parents were farmers; and WHEREAS, she met the love of her life, Tommie Harper at a church in Orangeburg, SC and on May 23, 1936 they were married. They settled in Orangeburg and from their marriage of 69 years, two. Tommy Harper died on December 24, 2005; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Harper has 12 grandchildren (three of whom are deceased), 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grand, along with other children she raised as her own. A niece, one she raised as her own, has always been there for her along with other family members to make sure that her golden years are peaceful and sweet ; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Harper, her husband and son-in-law opened the Edisto Café in 1959. This was a one stop café, where you could not only get the best soul food in town, but also the finest hair cut. She had the reputation of cooking a mean pot of collard greens and fried fish with grits and the biggest homemade hamburgers. Folks had a good time! Her love for cooking intensified over the years; and WHEREAS, one of her most rewarding professions was being a midwife. She obtained her certification as a midwife from the midwife Institution in Beaufort and went on to deliver more than 275 babies, including 2 sets of twins. She takes pride in the fact that she never lost a baby. Over the years, she has kept in contact with some of the children she delivered. Some of her "babies" still come by to check on her; and WHEREAS, another profession she enjoyed was quilting. She attended a Quilt-Making School in Cope, SC. At this school, she learned how to design and make beautiful quilts. The quilts were often delivered to families that were in need of bed covering during the cold winter months. Throughout the years, she has used her talents to make some of the world's finest quilts; and WHEREAS , Mrs. Harper also worked as a beautician for 6 years. She obtained her training from a renowned beauty school in Orangeburg, SC. She worked under several well-known beauticians in South Carolina. She was known for her hard pressing skills and ability to whip up a tight curl. Her clients were impressed with her speed and expertise. She could most certainly achieve the look of straight, smooth hair without the use of chemicals; and WHEREAS , she loves serving the Lord. She is a faithful member of her church. In the early years, she was a Sunday school teacher and choir member. She is a member of the United Methodist Women (Christian Society), which is fitting, because of her love and passion for help-ing people. She is a loving, kind, graceful and giving person. During her years of employment she was fundamental in helping others acquire jobs. Her motto is "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain." She states, being able to cast her vote for America's first black president, Barack Obama, was a monumental moment in her life; and WHEREAS , though she is a little slower these days, she still tries to run circles around her family. She has retired from cooking. However, you can still find her sitting on the porch shelling beans and cracking pecans.