Marion County People in the News

Cribb honored at Nebo Baptist Church

Provided Nyla Richardson
Special to the Star & Enterprise

In mid-January, 16 members of the Nebo Baptist Church WMU met in the Fellowship Hall for their monthly meeting. Lynette Reason and Phyllis Richardson hosted the event. The highlight of the evening was to honor Virginia Cribb for her many years of service to WMU. Jean Pace, WMU director, presented her a “Certificate of Appreciation” for having served 50 plus years and an inscribed silver platter. Miss Virginia is a dedicated Christian lady who always goes the extra mile to serve WMU and Nebo Baptist Church.

Virginia Cribb

She has served with great faith, much determination and an untiring spirit as she continues to work for others through her belief in God and her belief in missions. She serves as an example, an inspirer and a setter of high standards for all to follow.

Zetas attend kickoff
Members of Mu Kappa Zeta Chapter (Marion-Dillon) of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. attended the March of Dimes 2009 for Babies Kickoff sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at Claflin University in Orangeburg. Representing the Marion-Dillon Zetas were Tonya McKenzie, Basileus, Victoria Belin, First Anti-Basileus, and Mamie Hannah Hendley, Second Anti-Basileus.
The rivalry between the Zetas and Alpha was strong, as each group prepared to work to claim the bragging rights of reporting the most funds for the March of Dimes. The goal for the South Carolina Zeta is 250 walkers and $20,000. Zetas ere encouraged to join in their local marches to fight birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. The Marion/Dillon Zetas will be walking April 25 at Dillon High School.

McDaniel joins Advanced Medical Associates

Dianne McDaniel has been named Practice Manager of Advanced Medical Associates, an affiliate of Marion Regional Healthcare System. In her new position, she will handle day-to-day operations of the medical office and serve as the interface between patients and physicians.
“We welcome Dianne to our practice,” said Harichand H. Thourani, MD, of Advanced Medical Associates. “Her knowledge of the area and her medical expertise will be most beneficial.” A native of Marion County, McDaniel has been an employee of Marion Regional Healthcare System for over 20 years. She began her career with English Park Medical Center and joined Marion County Medical Center’s Business Office in 1987. Most recently, Dianne served in the capacity of Professional Billing Manager.
Advanced Medical Associates is an affiliate of Marion Regional Healthcare System and is at 511 South Main Street, Mullins. Staffed by three of the area’s top physicians: Drs. Thourani, Mathi and Menon, the group has been serving the Mullins community for more than 30 years. For information or appointments call (843) 464-8244.

Three named to Dean’s list at Limestone

The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List for the 2008 Fall semester at Limestone College in Gaffney.
Earning 4.0 GPAs for the 2008 fall semester were Daniel Holder of Dillon, Pamela Flowers of Marion, and Trina Williams of Marion.

Marion resident featured on American Red Cross site

Marion resident and American Red Cross volunteer Teresa Russ was recently featured on the organization's Web site. The story about Russ as a volunteer is viewable on the Internet at www.redcross.org. Once there, make a search for Teresa Russ and the site will take you to her story, "Giving Back to Her Community ... Teresa Russ was instantly drawn to the American Red Cross because of its selfless mission to give to others ..."

Odom recognized as "Champion for Public Education"
The S.C. School Boards Association (SCSBA) honored Renee Odom for her support of students and staff in Marion School District 2. SCSBA presented Odom with its Champions for Public Education Award during the Marion School District Two’s board meeting on Feb. 5.
Richard Cook, SCSBA secretary and chairman of the Florence County School District 3 board, presented the award to Odom. The Marion 2 Board of Trustees nominated Odom for the award, which is presented to community residents, organizations or local businesses/industries whose support of and contributions to public education have significantly benefited the entire school district or public schools statewide.
An advocate for the school district for 14 years, Odom has volunteered in numerous school activities. “Mrs. Odom’s volunteer work has helped many teachers and students,” the board’s nomination stated. “She gives her time, support and love in a tireless and generous manner.” Her volunteer efforts include: Serving as PTO president and a member of the School Improvement Council at several schools; assisting with field day, field trips, PACT monitoring, school store service; reading to classes; serving as a member of the Safe Kids Committee, Mullins High Booster Club, CHAMPS Committee, textbook committee, and school consolidation committee; and she donates financially to all schools in the district.
The invaluable contribution of time and resources by Mrs. Odom will leave a lasting mark on her legacy of support for public schools,” said SCSBA Director Paul Krohne. “Mrs. Odom is making a difference in the lives of students and staff in Marion Two schools and serves as a true champion for public schools.”
“Mrs. Odom’s dedication is greatly appreciated and it was an honor to recognize her for the dedication she has shown to the district over the past several years and we look forward to her continued support,” says Marion School District 2 Chairperson Elizabeth Hammond.

Burns receives award

Marion County Magistrate Darryl Burns was awarded the statewide “Judge of the Year” for his help with domestic violence victims and defendants. The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault presented Burns with the honor during an annual meeting in Columbia.
“His commitment to victims of domestic and sexual violence is impressive and I am delighted to be able to honor him,” executive director Viki Bourus said. Burns said the award came from a wonderful group.
“It means something when somebody would honor you for something you would do anyway,” he said. A member of the Door of Hope Christian Church, Burns said he would help victims of domestic violence and make sure defendants understand their rights and the procedure of the system.

Darryl Burns is shown with his wife Felicia.

New Pastor Installation

Grace Community Church of Marion had its new pastor’s Installation Service on Feb. 22, honoring the Rev. Ronny Rogers. Phillip and Lisa Elliott of Sumter, formerly of Marion, presided over the Installation Service.
Rev. Rogers is also Music Director at Johnakin Jr. High School in Marion. He and his wife, Denise, are residents of Mullins. Everyone is invited to attend regular church services each Sunday, with Sunday School beginning at 10 a.m., worship service at 11 a.m. and evening service at 6 p.m. Wednesday night prayer meeting begins at 7 p.m.The church is at 5050 Temperance Hill Road, just off U.S. Highway 501 North, at the base of the bypass bridge, turn right.

The Rev. Ronny Rogers is the new pastor of Grace Community Church, Marion. He is shown with his wife, Denise.

Owners have grand opening for occupants of new building complex

The offices of Glenn Ham Allstate Agency; All Storage, LLC; Carolina Realty & Associates; and DuRant Martin Custom Homes on U.S. Highway 76 near Mullins had a grand opening on Feb. 24 for the businss complex's occupants. Shown are DuRant Martin, left, Bob Schneider, center, and Glenn Ham in front of the complex.