TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF JUANITA GORDON CALHOUN, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Juanita Gordon Calhoun on Friday, July 2, 2021, at the venerable age of eighty; and
Whereas, on February 10, 1941, Juanita was born in Edgefield to Willie Wilson Gordon and Ruth Smith Mack. Receiving her education in Greenwood, she graduated from Brewer High School and then completed an apprenticeship with Boyd's Tailor Shop; and
Whereas, following the completion of her apprenticeship, Juanita relocated to Columbia, where she found work as a seamstress at Jack Springs Tailors, His and Her's Tailors, and Owen and Paul Tailor Shop. After many years of diligent work, in the late 1990s, she chose to open the Uptown Tailor Shop on Main Street. As the proud owner of her own business, she provided services to both local Columbians, as well as several politicians and fellow downtown area business owners; and
Whereas, a woman of faith, Juanita was an active member of St. Mark Baptist Church, where she gave of her time and talents to serve as a member of the finance and fellowship committees, the trustee board, and as program coordinator. Continually going above and beyond, she also found time to volunteer her hard-earned skill as a seamstress to make clothing for special events which supported the youth within the church; and
Whereas, strong and determined, Juanita fought a courageous battle against cancer. Undeterred by hardship, she continued to serve others in many aspects, including her service on the trustee board, until she succumbed to her illness and joined her two sisters, Janie Bell Bibbs and Doris Jean Thompson, who preceded her in death; and
Whereas, loved dearly by her family and community, Juanita leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Tyrone Finco Calhoun and Andre Curtis Calhoun; her daughters, Adrienne Gordon Calhoun and Stephanie Gordon Calhoun; her grandchildren, Shana Ashford, Sade Calhoun, Brianna Calhoun, Justin Garrick, Sincere McDonald, Tyrone A. Calhoun, and Marcus Edwards; her great-grandchildren; her sister, Shirley Glover; and a host of other family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing her. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Juanita Gordon Calhoun, celebrate her life and achievements, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Juanita Gordon Calhoun.