South Carolina H 3990: Sister Wimberly-retirement

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 3990 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 13, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 3990

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Harriette "Sister" Heath 
Wimberly, founder of Friends of Swan Lake Gardens, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER 
RETIREMENT AFTER YEARS OF dedicated SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS 
AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives have learned that Harriette "Sister" 
Heath Wimberly will begin a well-deserved retirement on Thursday, May 22, 2025, 
after years as the distinguished and highly regarded founder of Friends of Swan 
Lake Gardens; and

Whereas, a native of 
Sumter, she is the granddaughter of A. T. Heath Sr., a prominent Sumter 
resident who owned land on the north side of Liberty Street. In 1938, Mr. Heath 
generously deeded this land to the city, stipulating that his neighbor, 
Hamilton Carr Bland, who was already developing his adjacent property into a 
private fishing retreat adorned with Japanese irises, would also cultivate this 
newly acquired section into public gardens; and

Whereas, with a 
deep-rooted connection to the gardens tracing back to her grandfather, Ms. 
Wimberly has dedicated much of her life to the enhancement and preservation of 
Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a cherished landmark in her hometown. Mr. Heath's 
collaboration led to the expansion of what is now known as Swan Lake Iris 
Gardens, encompassing around one hundred fifty acres of breathtaking landscapes; 
and

Whereas, inspired by 
her family's legacy and her own passion for horticulture, Ms. Wimberly founded 
the Friends of Swan Lake Gardens, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated 
to supporting and enhancing the gardens. Under her leadership, the organization 
spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the development of the Master Gardeners' 
section, the installation of entrance fences, and the introduction of a golf-cart 
tour to educate visitors about the history and significance of the lake and 
gardens. These efforts have enriched the visitor experience and ensured the 
gardens remain a vibrant part of the community; and

Whereas, Swan Lake Iris 
Gardens holds a special place in Sumter's cultural and natural heritage. It is 
the only public park in the United States to feature all eight species of swans 
and boasts one of the nation's most extensive plantings of Japanese irises, 
which bloom spectacularly each May. The gardens also host several annual 
festivals, including the Iris Festival, South Carolina's oldest continuous 
festival, and the Fantasy of Lights during the holiday season, attracting 
visitors from near and far; and

Whereas, in recognition 
of her tireless dedication and significant contributions to the community, 
Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen declared May 25, 2019, as "Sister" Heath Wimberly 
Day. Earlier that month, she was honored with the Gamecock City Society Award, 
the highest accolade a citizen can receive from the city, celebrating her 
meaningful and lasting impact on Sumter; and

Whereas, through her 
unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, Ms. Wimberly has not only 
preserved her family's legacy but has also ensured that Swan Lake Iris Gardens will 
continue to flourish as a beloved sanctuary for both residents and visitors, 
enriching the cultural fabric of Sumter for generations to come; and

Whereas, grateful for 
her many years of distinguished service to Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the South 
Carolina House of Representatives takes great pleasure in extending best wishes 
to Sister Wimberly as she transitions to a richly deserved retirement and the 
unhurried pace of the days ahead, and the members wish her many years of 
enjoyment in her well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House 
of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize 
and honor Harriette "Sister" Heath Wimberly, founder of Friends of Swan Lake 
Gardens, upon the occasion of her retirement after years of dedicated service, 
and wish her continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution 
be presented to Harriette "Sister" Heath Wimberly.

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This web page was last updated on February 13, 2025 at 11:32 AM