[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2394-E2395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MINNIE LOUISE THOMPSON GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB INGLIS

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2009

  Mr. INGLIS. Madam Speaker, October 8, 2009 marks the 100th 
anniversary of Minnie Louise Thompson Gardner. She departed this life 
on Sunday, January 7, 2007. Her life was committed to God, service to 
family. Friends and community.
  Early in her youth, she accepted Christ and united with Springfield 
Baptist Church, where

[[Page E2395]]

she became active in the Choir, Usher Board, Baptist Student Union and 
the Missionary Society. Minnie worked faithfully until the birth of her 
children and care of ailing parents curtailed her involvement. However, 
her dedication and faithfulness to the legacy and growth of the church 
during her more than 80 years of membership remained constant. Life led 
Minnie toward employment within the field of hospitality. She retired 
from public service as the head cook of the Holiday Inn Chain of 
Greenville, South Carolina.
  Minnie attended Greenville County public schools and was among the 
first graduating class of the Sterling Normal and Industrial Institute 
in 1927. During this time, she was a founding member and soloist of the 
Marian Anderson Music Club. Minnie was also a founding member of the 
Hattie Duckett Cultural Club. She was recognized in 1998 by the Phillis 
Wheatley Center and American Federal Bank for sharing her story as an 
outstanding member of the Phillis Wheatley basketball team. Following 
high school, Minnie continued her education at Benedict College, where 
she was awarded a Teacher's Certificate.
  Minnie's lifelong commitment to family was evident in the foundation 
that she laid to promote personal and professional success of her 
children and children in the community. SHARE recognized Minnie as a 
community leadership icon and legendary human advancement advocate for 
her service to the antipoverty/Community Action movement in upstate 
South Carolina. In response to her long-standing dedication to the 
community, the Thompson-Gardner Park in the newly developed Viola 
Street Community was dedicated in her honor by the City of Greenville 
on July 11, 2005.
  The Minnie Gardner College Fund for the CDC Agency for Toxic 
Substance Disease Registry Chapter of Blacks in government and the 
Minnie L. Gardner Scholarship have been established since her death.

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