[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 172 (Tuesday, January 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO MRS. JULIE ETTA WASHINGTON NANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 1, 2013

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute a woman who 
will be forever known as ``the First Lady of South Carolina State 
College.'' I was fortunate to know Mrs. Julie Etta Washington Nance 
since my days on the campus in the late 1950s. She passed away on 
December 30, 2012, and I know that she will be sorely missed by so many 
who had the privilege to know her.
  Julie Nance was born in 1926, the daughter of J. Irwin Washington, 
who was South Carolina State College's business manager for 40 years, 
and Julia Robinson Washington. J. I., as he was called, was my longtime 
mentor, and I was honored to have a close association with the 
Washington family throughout my life.
  From the time she was born, Julie was connected to South Carolina 
State College (now University). She lived with her family on the 
Orangeburg campus and attended Felton Laboratory School, also located 
there. After graduating from Wilkinson High School, she attended S.C. 
State and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education 
in 1947.
  She briefly left Orangeburg to teach first grade in Florence for one 
year, but returned to Orangeburg to work in the college bookstore and 
to be closer to the love of her life, M. Maceo Nance, Jr. He had been 
enrolled on the campus in 1942, but joined the U.S. Navy for three 
years during World War II. He returned to campus after his military 
service.
  The two married in 1950, and lived with her parents on campus until 
they were able to build their own home next door.
  Dr. Nance began his 37-year career at South Carolina State as a 
supply clerk. As he rose through the ranks on campus, Julie stayed home 
to raise her two sons, M. Maceo Nance, III and Robert M. Nance, who 
would later become the District Director for my Congressional office 
where he has served continuously for the past 20 years.
  In 1967, Dr. Nance was named the interim president of South Carolina 
State during the tumultuous days of the civil rights movement. Shortly 
after taking office, a protest in front of the campus over a segregated 
bowling alley turned tragic when law enforcement open fire on the 
student protestors, killing three young men and wounding nearly two 
dozen others.
  Following the tragedy, Dr. and Mrs. Nance formed the rock that held 
the campus together. Their strength and compassion united the college, 
and ultimately, Dr. Nance was rewarded by being named the permanent 
president of South Carolina State. It was a position he held for 19 
years with great distinction.
  Julie Nance continued to build on the family atmosphere on the 
Orangeburg campus. She and her husband often hosted events in their 
home and at the president's office, where students, faculty and staff 
could mingle. Julie, known for her elegance and charm, was a tremendous 
asset to her husband to whom she was married for more than 50 years. 
During their leadership at S.C. State, the college experienced great 
growth and increased its influence within the community and the state. 
After Dr. Nance retired in March 1986, the couple remained two of the 
college's staunchest supporters.
  Mrs. Nance received numerous awards including the Distinguished 
Alumna Award from South Carolina State University and the Sammie Davis 
Jr. Life Membership Achievement Award given by the NAACP, of which she 
was a lifetime member. She also held life memberships in the South 
Carolina State University Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta 
Sorority Incorporated. She was a member of Williams Chapel A.M.E. 
Church, the Links, Inc. and an Emeritus member of The Regional Medical 
Center Foundation Board.
  In addition to being the parents of two sons, the couple was also 
grandparents to two granddaughters, Michelle Nelson and Kimberly 
Colley; three grandsons, Nicholas Nance, Milligan Nance and Kevin Hunt; 
and four great-grandchildren, Mya Nelson, Maci Nelson, Madison Hunt and 
Halie Hunt.
  When Mrs. Nance departed this life, she was at home in her longtime 
Orangeburg residence located on the road that was ceremonially named in 
2000 the ``Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr. Highway'' in honor of her beloved 
husband.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring the 
life and legacy of this remarkable woman. Mrs. Julie Etta Washington 
Nance's entire life was devoted to South Carolina State College 
(University). This institution, the Orangeburg community, and the State 
of South Carolina are much better places because of her leadership and 
dedication.

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