Nell Whitley Smith
Nell Whitley Smith | |
|---|---|
| Member of the South Carolina Senate from the 2nd district | |
| In office 1981–1991 | |
| Preceded by | Harris Page Smith |
| Succeeded by | Larry A. Martin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 12, 1929 Washington, North Carolina |
| Died | October 22, 2011 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Harris Page Smith |
| Alma mater | University of North Carolina Greensboro |
Nell Whitley Smith (November 12, 1929 - October 22, 2011) was a former member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 2nd District from 1981 until 1991.
Early life, education and career
[edit]Smith grew up in North Carolina, attending Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and earning a B.S. degree in chemistry and biology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1951. She and her husband relocated to Easley, South Carolina, where she taught junior high school science and later owned the House Antiques and Gifts. Smith served on various Pickens County boards and commissions.[1]
Political career
[edit]In 1981, upon the death of her husband, State Senator Harris Page Smith, she ran successfully to fulfill his unexpired term. Smith won the seat, and went on to serve in the Senate until 1990. She served on the Senate Medical Affairs, Rules, Corrections, and Penology, Judiciary and Education committees and was selected to chair the Joint Legislative Committee on Children.[2] In 1987, Smith was joined by Sherry Shealy Martschink to make two women in the South Carolina State Senate.[3]
Smith chaired the Senate Rules committee, the first woman to chair a Senate committee. She retired from office in 1991.[4]
Personal life
[edit]Smith married Harris Page Smith in 1952[5], and they raised four children.
References
[edit]- ^ "Smith, Nell Whitley". South Carolina Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Nell Smith Obituary (1929 - 2011) - Easley, SC - The Greenville News". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Where Are Women in 2023?". SC Women In Leadership. 2023-07-06. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ ""S" is for Smith, Nell Whitely (1929-2011)". South Carolina Public Radio. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Announcement, Harris Page Smith Engagement (1952-04-02). "Nell Whitley Smith". The Greenville News. p. 13. Retrieved 2024-12-10.