Lillie B. MOORE

1909 - 2012  (103 years)

• Name	Lillie B. MOORE  [1, 2, 3, 4]
  Birth	15 Aug 1909	Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina   [1]
  Gender	Female
  HIST	Date Published: August 23, 2009 She's been blessed Retired educator, activist celebrates centennial Ivy Moore / The Item Lillie Nelson, who turned 100 on Aug. 15, plays piano and sings "Precious Jesus." She attributes her longevity to eating healthy, yoga and her relationship with God. IVY MOORE Item Features Editor ivym@theitem.com Lillie Nelson doesn't dwell on the past — though as of Aug. 15, she has 100 years of it to remember. She doesn't worry about the future, either. Instead, Nelson said she lives by some words from St. Matthew's version of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." That said, Nelson professed to having very few troubles. Asked how she's feeling, she answered, "Well ... I'm trying to feel like a 100-year-old woman, but I don't know anything about that. Nobody told me how to feel when you get to be a hundred years old." Friends and family threw a big party in recognition of Nelson's milestone birthday, but it was much more than a celebration of the century she has lived. Instead, it was a joyful appreciation of her many contributions in the fields of education, music and community. The program held at the American Legion Building in Sumter was titled "A Century Celebration of Love and Service." Mary Hudson, a member of the planning committee, said, "Mother Nelson was my elementary teacher and principal (at Goodwill Academy at Dabbs Crossroads). She is a very caring and encouraging person. She taught us to strive to achieve our goals and purpose in life. She was very effective at that. She's made contributions to the Goodwill community in immeasurable ways." Nelson taught school at Goodwill from 1932-1961, and has been active the past few years in helping to raise funds to restore the historic building for use as a community center. In fact, Hudson said, Nelson asked that in lieu of gifts her friends and family make contributions to the Goodwill restoration fund. Nelson was born in Sumter on Aug. 15, 1909, "on a Sunday morning," she said, to Minnie Grooms Moore and Frank Moore. "The people were returning from church, so my mother said. "My mother told me this story. There was a family in that community whose baby daughter had died, and her father came to my mother right after I was born and asked her to name me after her. My mother said, 'I can't do that. I've chosen the name Audrey'. "The man said, 'I don't have anything to give that baby, but if you let me name her Lillie, she will always be blessed'. And up until this very minute, I'm blessed." Nelson was to grow up through segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, of which she philosophized, "We had no rights, and it wasn't right, but that's in the past. I know I'm important in the eyes of the Lord because of my relationship with him." An avid reader, especially of the Bible, Nelson frequently quotes verses that are especially meaningful to her. "As I reflect on my past life," she said, I remember Jeremiah 29:11." That verse in The New American Bible reads "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope." Nelson said there were a series of events that led her to live her life full of service. She attended the Kendall Institute, where she met Dr. Lucy Bragg Anthony "who made a great impact on my life. She was the state-appointed supervisor of the colored schools and she would visit Kendall. She was also a medical doctor." Nelson remembered rehearsing for a school program, "and evidently I must have been singing louder than anybody else." She laughed. Anthony, impressed, asked Nelson if she took music lessons. "I told her my mother couldn't afford lessons, and she told me to come to her house and bring 75 cents. Oh, I ran all the way home to tell Mama." "I knew right then I was under the control of the Holy Spirit," she said. Studying with Anthony was the beginning of Nelson's musical education. She later taught music herself and was a church organist for years. Nelson walked to the piano in her living room and played and sang "Precious Jesus, how I love you," ending with a dramatic arpeggio and a big laugh. From Kendall Institute, Nelson went on to Scotia Seminary on Dr. Anthony's recommendation and Morris College, where she got a degree in elementary education. She taught at Kendall from 1930-1932, at Goodwill Academy from 1932-1961 and at Eastern (R.E. Davis) Elementary from 1961 until 1972 when she "retired." Along the way she married The Rev. Dr. W.J. Nelson and reared eight children, continuing her work at the Academy and their church. The 100th anniversary of her birth is not the first time Nelson has been honored by her friends. On her 80th birthday, they created a chart of many of her achievements. Besides her professional accomplishments, Nelson is active in many service organizations, including, but not limited to, membership in the Ministers' Wives Association, New Harmony Presbytery, One More Effort Federated Club, the YWCA, NAACP, the Barber Scotia Alumni Association, which she served as president, and Sumter Senior Services, where she learned to do the Electric Slide. "I still do it," she said, laughing. "They still call me 'Electric Slide.'" Nelson has also traveled extensively, including a 1973 visit to the Middle East. She said she "Never under the sun expected to be celebrating" her 100th birthday. Her longevity, she said, could have something to do with staying active and eating healthy. Nelson even did yoga for a time. Mainly, though, she said, "I just live one day at time, loving God, knowing who I am and loving people. I was brought up in a home full of love, and when I married Reverend Nelson, our home was full of love." Almost totally independent, Nelson said she keeps busy. "I read, I pray, I study and I know who I am," she said, picking up a large Bible. "If this book isn't right, then I'm in trouble." Reach Features Editor Ivy Moore at ivym@theitem.com or (803) 774-1221. Women's Honor Roll adds 3 Sumter Volunteers Inc. announces the 2013 class of the Women's Honor Roll of Sumter County. In celebration of National Women's History Month, the organization will add Sumterites Martha Dabbs Greenway, Emily Bolger Mason and Lillie B. Moore Nelson to the roll for their outstanding contributions to their community. Jo Anne Morris, executive director of Sumter Volunteers, said the public is invited to a 3 p.m. induction ceremony and reception for the honorees on Friday, March 1, the first day of Women's History Month, at the Swan Lake Visitors Center. The national celebration of Women's History Month began modestly in 1977 as Women's History Week, an educational project aimed at schools in Sonoma County, Calif. By 1981, Congress had passed a resolution making National Women's History Week official. In 1987, national recognition of women's contributions to history had grown so much that Congress expanded the celebration to a month. The month has been observed in Sumter since 1991 under the leadership of the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands. In 1993, Sumter Volunteers established The Women's Honor Roll of Sumter County to recognize women who have made outstanding contributions to the area's culture and history. Initially, 20 women were honored posthumously and Lady Banksiae roses planted in their honor on the pergola in Volunteer Park, formerly located at the corner of North Magnolia and East Calhoun streets. Since the first observance, from 1994-2012, 73 additional women have been honored and a permanent rose planting installed on the east and west sides of the Sumter Civic Center on West Liberty Street. These serve as living monuments to all the honorees, Morris said. In addition, their names are listed on the Honor Roll of Outstanding Women of Sumter County which hangs in the foyer of Patriot Hall in the Sumter County Cultural Center on Haynsworth Street. Names are added to the list only during Women's History Month. In the year 2000, Sumter Volunteers combined the tradition with a Bicentennial Salute to Women of Sumter. For the first time, four outstanding women's organizations were added to the Honor Roll along with two famous women from Sumter's past, Natalie Delage Sumter (Mrs. Thomas Sumter Jr.) and Angelica Singleton Van Buren, President Martin Van Buren's daughter-in-law, who acted as White House hostess during his term, 1837-1841. The recognition service was held at the Sumter Opera House for that special salute that honored all 60 women and groups. Roses were planted in the Bland Garden of Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. The ceremony returned to the Sumter Civic Center in 1991 with roses planted on the west fence. With the addition of this year's honorees the honor roll will number 102, Morris said. For more information about Sumter Volunteers, Inc., the Women's Honor Roll of Sumter County or Friday afternoon's ceremony and reception, call Morris at (803) 775-7423. MARTHA DABBS GREENWAY If it was an arts event in the Sumter community from the late 1970s to 2008, Martha Dabbs Greenway, retired executive director of the Sumter County Cultural Commission, was probably involved. A seventh-generation South Carolinian and a Sumter native, she lives in the country farmhouse built by her grandfather. Greenway graduated from Edmunds High School and received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of South Carolina with a major in English literature and a minor in history. She was the first employee of the Cultural Commission and constantly worked toward the commission's prime focus to make the arts available to everyone. Working with appointed commissioners, educators and volunteers, she planned and executed Fall Fiesta of the Arts, an outdoor festival of the visual and performing arts, held each October for several years at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. The festival highlighted local talent and introduced professional performers. In 1998, the name of the festival was changed to Fall for the Arts and moved to the Sumter County Cultural Center. This was also the beginning of the 10-year installation art project, Sumter Accessibility, one of the largest of its type in the Southeast, which featured some local artists and brought many others from around the state, the nation and the world. Installation art is placed in public places and is inspired by or specifically related to its site. Greenway worked on the project with Booth and Peggy Chilcutt, and Accessibility became known for its unusual art and unusual openings - Mermaids on the Half Shell, A Night of 100 Marilyns, Motown, and Elvis on Parade. The pieces of limestone sculpture on the grounds of the Cultural Center and the colorful totems on Manning Avenue are lasting pieces of the project. In the early 1980s Greenway participated in the Community Artist Residency Training - a program that placed professional artists (singers, instrumentalists, actors) in various places in the Sumter Community; e.g., industry, Mental Health Center, Shaw AFB, local colleges and schools. For years following the C.A.R.T. program, she worked with the local schools to book and schedule artists-in-residence to work within the school systems. As manager of the Sumter County Cultural Center for many years, Greenway's mission was to make all visitors - performers, reception guests, members of the audience, former students of the old high school - feel comfortable and "at home" with the facility and the arts. It was during her tenure as executive director that the Sumter County Cultural Commission won the 2004 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Award, South Carolina's highest award for the arts. Co-founder of the Southern Sampler Artists Colony, she and Mary Brent Cantarutti, her friend since high school, organize annual workshops for visual artists, photographers and writers. The first two were held in the Dabbs Crossroads area and the next five, primarily for writers, in the Charleston area. Greenway is a member of the Sumter County Gallery of Art, the Sumter Little Theatre, The Sumter County Museum and the Sumter County Historical Society. "I read somewhere that one should tithe to what brings inspiration," she said, "and so I go to church and I support that; I also support the arts. They give a lot back to me. I have great spiritual connection with both." Greenway is a member of the Pilot Club of Sumter, The Forum, Sumter Art Association and Salem Black River Presbyterian Church. EMILY BOLGER MASON Emily Bolger Mason was born in Charleston on March 9, 1918, and moved to Sumter at the age of 4. She attended the Sumter public schools, then nurses' training for a brief time. In 1939, she married Charles Stewart Mason; they had two daughters, Carol Mason Mimms and Margaret Mason Gamble. Wherever she has lived, Mason has always been interested in art and flowers and has had a garden. She has been a nationally accredited flower show and landscape judge and has won many awards. In addition, her yard has been included on the local garden tour. Mason was instrumental in introducing the National Wildlife Habitat for Sumter, and she was responsible for organizing and forming the junior garden club. In 1950, she joined the Poinsett Garden Club, subsequently serving as president; she also was president of the Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter several times. A nationally accredited Master Gardener for many years, Mason judged flower shows throughout the state and gave many talks and demonstrations and introduced other women of Sumter County to the art of flower arranging. Mason is a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and she and her husband Charles designed and planted the initial landscaping of the church yard. In addition, she designed arrangements for Aldersgate's altar for many years. Her expertise in gardening and landscaping led to her service on the committee for the beautification of entrances to cities and welcome centers. Mason has also been an avid bridge player for many years. LILLIE B. MOORE NELSON Lillie B. Moore Nelson was born in Sumter County on Aug. 15, 1909, to the late James Moore and Minnie Grooms Moore. She was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, not just to her biological family, but to many others, as well, and was known to most as Mother Nelson. She received her early education at the historic Kendall Institute, operated by the Presbyterian Church. She enrolled in Scotia Seminary, now Barber Scotia College. In 1930, she was certified to teach. She taught at the Kendall Institute until it closed in 1932. She then served as a teacher and principal from 1932 to 1961 at the Goodwill Parochial School, until it merged with Eastern High School. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Morris College. She continued to shape and to mold the minds of hundreds of young people until she retired in 1972 after having 42 consecutive years of perfect attendance. For more than 75 years, Nelson was a faithful member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA). She served in many capacities including as deacon, moderator of Presbyterian Women, Sunday school teacher, choir director, organist, and as an ardent supporter of the Goodwill Educational and Historical Society. In 1961, she was honored by the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church for 25 years of continuous service in the mission work of the board. In 1973, she was chosen to represent the church in Lebanon and in 1983, in Scotland. Nelson was also the recipient of the Presbyterian Women's Honorary Life Membership Award. In 1988, she served as the chairwoman of the first Kendall Institute School Reunion. She was a founding member of the Sumter Interdenominational Ministers' Wives Alliance; a life member of the NAACP; a member of the National Council of Negro Women; member of the One More Effort Federated Club, the Sumter County Education Association, the Santee Senior Citizens Club, Goodwill Senior Citizens Young at Heart Club; and numerous other service organizations. Nelson and her husband, the late Dr. Warren Julius Nelson Sr., former pastor of Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA), had eight children. Nelson died Nov. 29, 2012, at the age of 103. Posted in Panorama on Sunday, February 24, 2013 Lillie B. Moore Nelson Lillie B. Moore Nelson, 103, widow of Dr. Warren Julius Nelson Sr., passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, at National Healthcare Center of Sumter. She was born in Sumter County to the late James and Minnie Grooms Moore. She received her early education at the historic Kendall Institute. She enrolled in Scotia Seminary, now Barber Scotia College. In 1930, she was certified to teach. She taught at the Kendall Institute until it closed in 1932. She then served as a teacher and principal from 1932 to 1961 at the Goodwill Parochial School, until it merged with Eastern High School. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Morris College. She continued to shape and to mold the minds of hundreds of young people, until she retired in 1972 after having 42 consecutive years of perfect attendance. For more than 75 years, Mother Nelson was a faithful member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA). She served in many capacities including as deacon, moderator of Presbyterian Women, Sunday school teacher, choir director, organist, and an ardent supporter of the Goodwill Educational and Historical Society. In 1961, she was honored by the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church for 25 years of continuous service in the mission work of the board. In 1973, she was chosen to represent the church in Lebanon and in 1983, Scotland. Mother Nelson was also the recipient of the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership Award. In 1988, she served as the chairperson of the first Kendall Institute School Reunion. Mother Nelson was a founding member of the Sumter Interdenominational Ministers’ Wives Alliance; a life member of the NAACP; a member of the National Council of Negro Women; member of the One More Effort Federated Club; member of Sumter County Education Association; member of Santee Senior Citizens Club; member of Goodwill Senior Citizens Young at Heart Club; and numerous other service organizations. Mother Nelson is survived by a son John Calvin (Edith) of Foothill Ranch, Calif.; two daughters, Florazell (Hosea) of Newark, N.J., and Ella (David) of Richmond, Va.; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Johnalee B. Nelson; many other relatives and special “adopted” family members. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Goodwill Presbyterian Church, 295 N. Brick Church Road, Mayesville, SC 29104 with the Rev. Dr. Ella F. Busby officiating. Mrs. Nelson be placed in the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be at Walker Cemetery, 700 W. Oakland Ave., Sumter. Public viewing will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St. During this time, the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Goodwill Educational and Historical Society, 295 N. Brick Church Road, Mayesville, SC 29104. Online memorials may be sent to www.palmermemorialchapel.com. Palmer Memorial Chapel of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. Posted in Obituaries on Tuesday, December 4, 2012  [1, 3, 4]
  HIST	Date Published: August 23, 2009 She's been blessed Retired educator, activist celebrates centennial Ivy Moore / The Item Lillie Nelson, who turned 100 on Aug. 15, plays piano and sings "Precious Jesus." She attributes her longevity to eating healthy, yoga and her relationship with God. IVY MOORE Item Features Editor ivym@theitem.com Lillie Nelson doesn't dwell on the past — though as of Aug. 15, she has 100 years of it to remember. She doesn't worry about the future, either. Instead, Nelson said she lives by some words from St. Matthew's version of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." That said, Nelson professed to having very few troubles. Asked how she's feeling, she answered, "Well ... I'm trying to feel like a 100-year-old woman, but I don't know anything about that. Nobody told me how to feel when you get to be a hundred years old." Friends and family threw a big party in recognition of Nelson's milestone birthday, but it was much more than a celebration of the century she has lived. Instead, it was a joyful appreciation of her many contributions in the fields of education, music and community. The program held at the American Legion Building in Sumter was titled "A Century Celebration of Love and Service." Mary Hudson, a member of the planning committee, said, "Mother Nelson was my elementary teacher and principal (at Goodwill Academy at Dabbs Crossroads). She is a very caring and encouraging person. She taught us to strive to achieve our goals and purpose in life. She was very effective at that. She's made contributions to the Goodwill community in immeasurable ways." Nelson taught school at Goodwill from 1932-1961, and has been active the past few years in helping to raise funds to restore the historic building for use as a community center. In fact, Hudson said, Nelson asked that in lieu of gifts her friends and family make contributions to the Goodwill restoration fund. Nelson was born in Sumter on Aug. 15, 1909, "on a Sunday morning," she said, to Minnie Grooms Moore and Frank Moore. "The people were returning from church, so my mother said. "My mother told me this story. There was a family in that community whose baby daughter had died, and her father came to my mother right after I was born and asked her to name me after her. My mother said, 'I can't do that. I've chosen the name Audrey'. "The man said, 'I don't have anything to give that baby, but if you let me name her Lillie, she will always be blessed'. And up until this very minute, I'm blessed." Nelson was to grow up through segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, of which she philosophized, "We had no rights, and it wasn't right, but that's in the past. I know I'm important in the eyes of the Lord because of my relationship with him." An avid reader, especially of the Bible, Nelson frequently quotes verses that are especially meaningful to her. "As I reflect on my past life," she said, I remember Jeremiah 29:11." That verse in The New American Bible reads "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope." Nelson said there were a series of events that led her to live her life full of service. She attended the Kendall Institute, where she met Dr. Lucy Bragg Anthony "who made a great impact on my life. She was the state-appointed supervisor of the colored schools and she would visit Kendall. She was also a medical doctor." Nelson remembered rehearsing for a school program, "and evidently I must have been singing louder than anybody else." She laughed. Anthony, impressed, asked Nelson if she took music lessons. "I told her my mother couldn't afford lessons, and she told me to come to her house and bring 75 cents. Oh, I ran all the way home to tell Mama." "I knew right then I was under the control of the Holy Spirit," she said. Studying with Anthony was the beginning of Nelson's musical education. She later taught music herself and was a church organist for years. Nelson walked to the piano in her living room and played and sang "Precious Jesus, how I love you," ending with a dramatic arpeggio and a big laugh. From Kendall Institute, Nelson went on to Scotia Seminary on Dr. Anthony's recommendation and Morris College, where she got a degree in elementary education. She taught at Kendall from 1930-1932, at Goodwill Academy from 1932-1961 and at Eastern (R.E. Davis) Elementary from 1961 until 1972 when she "retired." Along the way she married The Rev. Dr. W.J. Nelson and reared eight children, continuing her work at the Academy and their church. The 100th anniversary of her birth is not the first time Nelson has been honored by her friends. On her 80th birthday, they created a chart of many of her achievements. Besides her professional accomplishments, Nelson is active in many service organizations, including, but not limited to, membership in the Ministers' Wives Association, New Harmony Presbytery, One More Effort Federated Club, the YWCA, NAACP, the Barber Scotia Alumni Association, which she served as president, and Sumter Senior Services, where she learned to do the Electric Slide. "I still do it," she said, laughing. "They still call me 'Electric Slide.'" Nelson has also traveled extensively, including a 1973 visit to the Middle East. She said she "Never under the sun expected to be celebrating" her 100th birthday. Her longevity, she said, could have something to do with staying active and eating healthy. Nelson even did yoga for a time. Mainly, though, she said, "I just live one day at time, loving God, knowing who I am and loving people. I was brought up in a home full of love, and when I married Reverend Nelson, our home was full of love." Almost totally independent, Nelson said she keeps busy. "I read, I pray, I study and I know who I am," she said, picking up a large Bible. "If this book isn't right, then I'm in trouble." Reach Features Editor Ivy Moore at ivym@theitem.com or (803) 774-1221. Women's Honor Roll adds 3 Sumter Volunteers Inc. announces the 2013 class of the Women's Honor Roll of Sumter County. In celebration of National Women's History Month, the organization will add Sumterites Martha Dabbs Greenway, Emily Bolger Mason and Lillie B. Moore Nelson to the roll for their outstanding contributions to their community. Jo Anne Morris, executive director of Sumter Volunteers, said the public is invited to a 3 p.m. induction ceremony and reception for the honorees on Friday, March 1, the first day of Women's History Month, at the Swan Lake Visitors Center. The national celebration of Women's History Month began modestly in 1977 as Women's History Week, an educational project aimed at schools in Sonoma County, Calif. By 1981, Congress had passed a resolution making National Women's History Week official. In 1987, national recognition of women's contributions to history had grown so much that Congress expanded the celebration to a month. The month has been observed in Sumter since 1991 under the leadership of the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands. In 1993, Sumter Volunteers established The Women's Honor Roll of Sumter County to recognize women who have made outstanding contributions to the area's culture and history. Initially, 20 women were honored posthumously and Lady Banksiae roses planted in their honor on the pergola in Volunteer Park, formerly located at the corner of North Magnolia and East Calhoun streets. Since the first observance, from 1994-2012, 73 additional women have been honored and a permanent rose planting installed on the east and west sides of the Sumter Civic Center on West Liberty Street. These serve as living monuments to all the honorees, Morris said. In addition, their names are listed on the Honor Roll of Outstanding Women of Sumter County which hangs in the foyer of Patriot Hall in the Sumter County Cultural Center on Haynsworth Street. Names are added to the list only during Women's History Month. In the year 2000, Sumter Volunteers combined the tradition with a Bicentennial Salute to Women of Sumter. For the first time, four outstanding women's organizations were added to the Honor Roll along with two famous women from Sumter's past, Natalie Delage Sumter (Mrs. Thomas Sumter Jr.) and Angelica Singleton Van Buren, President Martin Van Buren's daughter-in-law, who acted as White House hostess during his term, 1837-1841. The recognition service was held at the Sumter Opera House for that special salute that honored all 60 women and groups. Roses were planted in the Bland Garden of Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. The ceremony returned to the Sumter Civic Center in 1991 with roses planted on the west fence. With the addition of this year's honorees the honor roll will number 102, Morris said. For more information about Sumter Volunteers, Inc., the Women's Honor Roll of Sumter County or Friday afternoon's ceremony and reception, call Morris at (803) 775-7423. MARTHA DABBS GREENWAY If it was an arts event in the Sumter community from the late 1970s to 2008, Martha Dabbs Greenway, retired executive director of the Sumter County Cultural Commission, was probably involved. A seventh-generation South Carolinian and a Sumter native, she lives in the country farmhouse built by her grandfather. Greenway graduated from Edmunds High School and received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of South Carolina with a major in English literature and a minor in history. She was the first employee of the Cultural Commission and constantly worked toward the commission's prime focus to make the arts available to everyone. Working with appointed commissioners, educators and volunteers, she planned and executed Fall Fiesta of the Arts, an outdoor festival of the visual and performing arts, held each October for several years at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. The festival highlighted local talent and introduced professional performers. In 1998, the name of the festival was changed to Fall for the Arts and moved to the Sumter County Cultural Center. This was also the beginning of the 10-year installation art project, Sumter Accessibility, one of the largest of its type in the Southeast, which featured some local artists and brought many others from around the state, the nation and the world. Installation art is placed in public places and is inspired by or specifically related to its site. Greenway worked on the project with Booth and Peggy Chilcutt, and Accessibility became known for its unusual art and unusual openings - Mermaids on the Half Shell, A Night of 100 Marilyns, Motown, and Elvis on Parade. The pieces of limestone sculpture on the grounds of the Cultural Center and the colorful totems on Manning Avenue are lasting pieces of the project. In the early 1980s Greenway participated in the Community Artist Residency Training - a program that placed professional artists (singers, instrumentalists, actors) in various places in the Sumter Community; e.g., industry, Mental Health Center, Shaw AFB, local colleges and schools. For years following the C.A.R.T. program, she worked with the local schools to book and schedule artists-in-residence to work within the school systems. As manager of the Sumter County Cultural Center for many years, Greenway's mission was to make all visitors - performers, reception guests, members of the audience, former students of the old high school - feel comfortable and "at home" with the facility and the arts. It was during her tenure as executive director that the Sumter County Cultural Commission won the 2004 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Award, South Carolina's highest award for the arts. Co-founder of the Southern Sampler Artists Colony, she and Mary Brent Cantarutti, her friend since high school, organize annual workshops for visual artists, photographers and writers. The first two were held in the Dabbs Crossroads area and the next five, primarily for writers, in the Charleston area. Greenway is a member of the Sumter County Gallery of Art, the Sumter Little Theatre, The Sumter County Museum and the Sumter County Historical Society. "I read somewhere that one should tithe to what brings inspiration," she said, "and so I go to church and I support that; I also support the arts. They give a lot back to me. I have great spiritual connection with both." Greenway is a member of the Pilot Club of Sumter, The Forum, Sumter Art Association and Salem Black River Presbyterian Church. EMILY BOLGER MASON Emily Bolger Mason was born in Charleston on March 9, 1918, and moved to Sumter at the age of 4. She attended the Sumter public schools, then nurses' training for a brief time. In 1939, she married Charles Stewart Mason; they had two daughters, Carol Mason Mimms and Margaret Mason Gamble. Wherever she has lived, Mason has always been interested in art and flowers and has had a garden. She has been a nationally accredited flower show and landscape judge and has won many awards. In addition, her yard has been included on the local garden tour. Mason was instrumental in introducing the National Wildlife Habitat for Sumter, and she was responsible for organizing and forming the junior garden club. In 1950, she joined the Poinsett Garden Club, subsequently serving as president; she also was president of the Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter several times. A nationally accredited Master Gardener for many years, Mason judged flower shows throughout the state and gave many talks and demonstrations and introduced other women of Sumter County to the art of flower arranging. Mason is a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, and she and her husband Charles designed and planted the initial landscaping of the church yard. In addition, she designed arrangements for Aldersgate's altar for many years. Her expertise in gardening and landscaping led to her service on the committee for the beautification of entrances to cities and welcome centers. Mason has also been an avid bridge player for many years. LILLIE B. MOORE NELSON Lillie B. Moore Nelson was born in Sumter County on Aug. 15, 1909, to the late James Moore and Minnie Grooms Moore. She was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, not just to her biological family, but to many others, as well, and was known to most as Mother Nelson. She received her early education at the historic Kendall Institute, operated by the Presbyterian Church. She enrolled in Scotia Seminary, now Barber Scotia College. In 1930, she was certified to teach. She taught at the Kendall Institute until it closed in 1932. She then served as a teacher and principal from 1932 to 1961 at the Goodwill Parochial School, until it merged with Eastern High School. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Morris College. She continued to shape and to mold the minds of hundreds of young people until she retired in 1972 after having 42 consecutive years of perfect attendance. For more than 75 years, Nelson was a faithful member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA). She served in many capacities including as deacon, moderator of Presbyterian Women, Sunday school teacher, choir director, organist, and as an ardent supporter of the Goodwill Educational and Historical Society. In 1961, she was honored by the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church for 25 years of continuous service in the mission work of the board. In 1973, she was chosen to represent the church in Lebanon and in 1983, in Scotland. Nelson was also the recipient of the Presbyterian Women's Honorary Life Membership Award. In 1988, she served as the chairwoman of the first Kendall Institute School Reunion. She was a founding member of the Sumter Interdenominational Ministers' Wives Alliance; a life member of the NAACP; a member of the National Council of Negro Women; member of the One More Effort Federated Club, the Sumter County Education Association, the Santee Senior Citizens Club, Goodwill Senior Citizens Young at Heart Club; and numerous other service organizations. Nelson and her husband, the late Dr. Warren Julius Nelson Sr., former pastor of Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA), had eight children. Nelson died Nov. 29, 2012, at the age of 103. Posted in Panorama on Sunday, February 24, 2013 Lillie B. Moore Nelson Lillie B. Moore Nelson, 103, widow of Dr. Warren Julius Nelson Sr., passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, at National Healthcare Center of Sumter. She was born in Sumter County to the late James and Minnie Grooms Moore. She received her early education at the historic Kendall Institute. She enrolled in Scotia Seminary, now Barber Scotia College. In 1930, she was certified to teach. She taught at the Kendall Institute until it closed in 1932. She then served as a teacher and principal from 1932 to 1961 at the Goodwill Parochial School, until it merged with Eastern High School. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Morris College. She continued to shape and to mold the minds of hundreds of young people, until she retired in 1972 after having 42 consecutive years of perfect attendance. For more than 75 years, Mother Nelson was a faithful member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA). She served in many capacities including as deacon, moderator of Presbyterian Women, Sunday school teacher, choir director, organist, and an ardent supporter of the Goodwill Educational and Historical Society. In 1961, she was honored by the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church for 25 years of continuous service in the mission work of the board. In 1973, she was chosen to represent the church in Lebanon and in 1983, Scotland. Mother Nelson was also the recipient of the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership Award. In 1988, she served as the chairperson of the first Kendall Institute School Reunion. Mother Nelson was a founding member of the Sumter Interdenominational Ministers’ Wives Alliance; a life member of the NAACP; a member of the National Council of Negro Women; member of the One More Effort Federated Club; member of Sumter County Education Association; member of Santee Senior Citizens Club; member of Goodwill Senior Citizens Young at Heart Club; and numerous other service organizations. Mother Nelson is survived by a son John Calvin (Edith) of Foothill Ranch, Calif.; two daughters, Florazell (Hosea) of Newark, N.J., and Ella (David) of Richmond, Va.; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Johnalee B. Nelson; many other relatives and special “adopted” family members. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Goodwill Presbyterian Church, 295 N. Brick Church Road, Mayesville, SC 29104 with the Rev. Dr. Ella F. Busby officiating. Mrs. Nelson be placed in the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be at Walker Cemetery, 700 W. Oakland Ave., Sumter. Public viewing will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St. During this time, the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Goodwill Educational and Historical Society, 295 N. Brick Church Road, Mayesville, SC 29104. Online memorials may be sent to www.palmermemorialchapel.com. Palmer Memorial Chapel of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. Posted in Obituaries on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
  _UID	06741FE11ADA4921BCC1680793FE73642C2E
  _UID	06741FE11ADA4921BCC1680793FE73642C2E
  Death	29 Nov 2012  [4]
  Person ID	I245368	Singleton and Related Families
  Last Modified	15 Mar 2013

  
  

  Father	James Frank MOORE   d. Bef 24 Feb 2013
  Mother	Minnie GROOMS   d. Bef 24 Feb 2013
  _UID	AABAB840A1A3435FA71201E8C1A2E51E4A6E
  _UID	AABAB840A1A3435FA71201E8C1A2E51E4A6E
  Family ID	F165692	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Reverend Dr. Warren Julius NELSON, Sr.   d. Bef 29 Nov 2012
  _UID	B231AB1652A44264868F4AD68978938D96B5
  _UID	B231AB1652A44264868F4AD68978938D96B5
  Children	1. John NELSON   2. NELSON   3. NELSON   4. NELSON   5. NELSON   6. NELSON   7. NELSON   8. NELSON
  Family ID	F165693	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	23 Mar 2026

  
  

• Sources

  [S12641] She’s been blessed - Retired educator, activist celebrates centennial. [S13032] 100 years and counting. [S19295] Women’s Honor Roll adds 3. [S19296] Lillie B. Moore Nelson.