South Carolina H 5581: Candice Elliott Teacher of the Year

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5581 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 23, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5581

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

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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This web page was last updated on April 23, 2026 at 11:08 AM