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Doing Justice, Loving Mercy, Walking Humbly. — Micah 6:8
St. Philip’s Parish Chapter of DAC Hosts State Assembly The St. Philip’s Parish Chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists hosted the 83rd Annual Georgia State Assembly at the Holiday Inn Statesboro on February 17 and 18, 2017. The members were honored to have the First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Deal, as keynote speaker. She emphasized how knowing our genealogy and where we come from is important as our legacy, reminding everyone how important it is for this legacy to be passed down to the next generation. All three daughters of the Governor and First Lady of Georgia are members of the local St. Philip’s Parish Chapter of DAC and were in attendance. In support of his family and this event, the Assembly was honored with the presence of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, who Seated (L – R): Sandy Gallemore, Thelma Kilpatrick, Judy Altman, Dr. Betty Lane, Beverly Thomas. Second row attended a meet and greet with all the members. (L – R): Mary Ann Robertson, Woodie Brawner, Brenda Steadman, Nancy Marsh, Jewell Dabbs, Regent Kaye SteThe Assembly was chaired by State Regent, phens, Alecia Evans, Myra Halfacre, Jerry Singletary. Third row (L – R): Kay Clark, Carrie Deal Wilder, Etta Anne Betty Samaras. Other distinguished guests Groover, Bonnie Powell, Mary Emily Deal O’Bradovich, Katie Deal Wright, Meredith Bloser, Jill Powell. included Sue Bratton from Tallahassee, Florida, who is the First Vice Regent of the Southern Section of the National Society of DAC; Linda Harvey, National Recording Secretary; and mayor of Statesboro, Jan J. Moore. Mayor Moore presented a proclamation to the Georgia State Assembly commending the fourteen chapters of the Georgia Society of Daughters of the American Colonists for selecting to assemble in the community of Statesboro. Dr. Betty Lane was also in attendance and is the only original charter member of the local chapter. The St. Philip’s Parish Chapter is proud to be the largest chapter in the state of Georgia and, also, in the Nation. Current Regent, Kaye Tucker Stephens, who is from Adrian but was reared in Statesboro, expressed appreciation that local members attended this event and helped throughout the planning process. Georgia State Society’s First Vice Regent, Thelma Kilpatrick and Georgia State Historian, Jerry Singletary, both from the local chapter, were primary coordinators of the event. Membership into the Society only requires that through genealogy research proof is documented of lineal descent from men or woman who were actual residents of America when it was under foreign government as colonies. This proof would go back prior to 1776. New members are always welcomed.
Strickland Foundation Makes Largest Ever Gift to Ogeechee Technical College Foundation In a 2002 resolution adopted by the Georgia General Assembly, it was stated that George W. “Jack” Strickland, “always credited his tremendous success to his dedicated employees and his loyal customers, but his personal leadership, vision, and commitment to the needs of individuals and families have significantly strengthened their opportunities and well-being.” Upon his death in 2010, Mr. Strickland’s commitment was to ensure that his dear wife, Muriel Anderson Strickland, was cared for the remainder of her days, and that was accomplished until she passed away in 2016. Upon Mrs. Strickland’s death, Mr. Strickland’s altruistic nature, even in death, became evident in an even bigger way, as the Pictured at the check presentation for the donation of $500,000 from the George W. Strickland, Jr. Foundation to the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation are, George W. Strickland, Jr. Foundation was created. OTC Foundation President, Dewey Newton (left center), and Strickland Foundation A significant gift from the Strickland Foundation has been made to chair, Wendell Godbee, (right center). Others pictured, (L-R), are: Doris Tomblin, OTC the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation, Inc., in support of educa- Foundation trustee; Randy Mayfield, OTC local board of directors; Jill Griffin, OTC tion in Evans County. The $500,000 gift will be invested, with proceeds Foundation trustee; Barry Turner, OTC Vice President for College Advancement; dedicated to providing support for dual enrollment efforts in Evans Newton; Lori Durden, OTC President; Godbee; Tammi Hall, OTC local board of direcCounty. tors; Sharon DeLoach, Strickland Foundation secretary; and Tommy Strickland, StrickIn addition to supporting the high school initiative in Evans County, land Foundation vice president. the gift to the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation will assist in establishing a Heavy Diesel Service Technician program at OTC’s Evans Technical Education Complex in Hagan. “There is a great need for diesel technicians, and we think this new program will be a perfect fit for our Evans campus, since our Commercial Truck Driving program is already located there,” stated Durden.
10 • Statesboro Magazine