TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEBRA FISHBURNE MATTHEWS, OFFICE MANAGER AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR FORMER MAYOR JOSEPH P. RILEY, JR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-SIX YEARS OF DEDICATED AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude to Debra Fishburne Matthews for her significant contributions to the City of Charleston; and

Whereas, born in New York City, New York, on July 26, 1951, she is the oldest of seven children of the late Trainy B. Davis and Robert Lee Davis, Sr., and she was reared in Charleston and graduated from Burke High School; and

Whereas, Mrs. Matthews attended City College in New York City and earned an associate's degree from Manhattan Business College in New York City; and

Whereas, besides her efficient, professional, and courteous service in the mayor's office, she has served her community as a member of the YWCA of Charleston, formerly a member of its nominating committee; as a mentor with the Lunch Buddies program at Mitchell Elementary School in Charleston for over ten years; and as a member of the Charleston Chapter of the NAACP, where she was a former member of its banquet committee; and

Whereas, a faithful member of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston, Mrs. Matthews has served the congregation as the recording secretary and past vice president of Stewardess Board #2; assistant secretary and past 3rd vice president of the V. P. Ellis Missionary Society; a member of the finance committee; and chairperson of the capital improvement committee for the board of trustees; and

Whereas, Mrs. Matthews' service to others has been honored with the YWCA's Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) Award in 1992; a Customer Service Initiative Certificate from the City of Charleston for demonstrating outstanding customer service in 2005, and a resolution from the New Rosemont Homeowners Association in December 2007 for her outstanding service to the residents of the Rosemont Community; and.

Whereas, together she and her beloved husband, Francis Lee Matthews, reared three fine children: Serena Matthews Robinson, Damian Donell Matthews, and Jamon Rashad Matthews. Her children have blessed her with the joy of five grandsons, one granddaughter, and one great-granddaughter; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the years of unparalleled devotion that Debra Matthews has rendered to the office of the mayor in the City of Charleston and 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 Debra Fishburne Matthews, office manager and administrative assistant for former Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., upon the occasion of her retirement after thirty-six years of dedicated and outstanding service, and wish her continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Debra Fishburne Matthews.