South Carolina H 5644: Dorothy Davenport 100th birthday

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5644 Text of Previous Version (May. 05, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5644

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE Dorothy Chapman 
Sulton Davenport OF Newberry COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HER ONE HUNDREDTH 
BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HER A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND much HAPPINESS in 
the days ahead.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives 
are delighted to learn that Dorothy Chapman Sulton Davenport celebrated her one 
hundredth birthday on February 7, 2026; and 

Whereas, born on February 7, 1926, in the first quarter of the 
twentieth century, she has witnessed the many remarkable social changes, 
technological advancements, and international developments that have spanned 
the globe from that time into the first quarter of the twenty-first century; 
and 

Whereas, the daughter of sharecroppers Leo and Viola Chapman, the 
young Dorothy was born in Little Mountain in Newberry County and was the seventh 
of eight siblings. She is the last living sibling to carry on their legacy and 
memories, an integral part of her story; and

Whereas, she learned early in life the value of family. She is a 
proud and devoted mother of three biological children: Linda S. Owens of 
Charlotte, North Carolina; Dorothy S. Roberson of Columbia; and Calvin 
Davenport III of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and one adopted son, Thomas C. 
Chapman of Wilmington, North Carolina. She has been blessed to see her loving 
family legacy continued in the lives of her grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, Mrs. Davenport has held several positions during her career, 
but the most gratifying was as an educator, leaving a profound impact on the 
lives of countless students. For thirty years she worked for Richland School 
District One and after retiring, she continued to be a pillar of wisdom and 
guidance for her family; and

Whereas, inspiring others to be lifelong learners with her 
perseverance and belief in personal growth, Mrs. Davenport returned to school 
as an adult, enrolling in night school to earn her high school diploma. She 
later attended Preston College in Columbia where she received her nursing 
assistant certificate; and

Whereas, she has had a lifelong passion for bowling and could be 
found regularly at the lanes enjoying friendly competition. Her steady alto 
voice has graced the St. John Baptist Church Jubilee Choir and the City Baptist 
Jubilee Choir, reflecting her quiet faith and devotion; and

Whereas, finding happiness in simple things, Mrs. Davenport tended 
her garden with her green thumb. She gardened and preserved her harvest through 
canning or freezing vegetables. Her pear preserves were special treats in her 
larder; and

Whereas, she is known for her love of conversation, cherishing long 
phone calls with friends and family, and keeping connections alive with her 
great sense of humor. Her beautiful blend of dedication, joy, and connection 
are an extraordinary legacy to the many who have been blessed to know and love 
her; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives 
are pleased to honor this daughter of South Carolina at the celebration of her 
one hundredth birthday and join with her family and friends in congratulating 
her on reaching this extraordinary milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of 
Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House 
of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Dorothy Chapman 
Sulton Davenport of Newberry County on the occasion of her one hundredth 
birthday and wish her a joyous birthday celebration and continued health and 
happiness.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to 
Dorothy Chapman Sulton Davenport.

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This web page was last updated on May 05, 2026 at 01:01 PM