'Women of Distinction' to be honored by Girl Scouts

By: From local reports | SCNow
Published: February 25, 2010

FLORENCE — Every year, Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina honors women who make a difference in their communities at the annual Mary Dean Brewer Women of Distinction gala. This year’s event is at 5:30 p.m. March 12 at Darlington Country Club.

Honroees are Sandra W. Bridgers and the late Grace Grady of Florence; Johnnie P. Luehrs of Latta; Jeri Parris Perkins of Hartsville; Dorothy Tedder Smith of Bishopville; Barbara Blain-Olds of Conway; and Laura DuRant of Myrtle Beach.

Bridgers is the laboratory director at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence. She is active in the American Heart Association, United Way and the American Cancer Society. She lives in Florence with her husband, David, and has a daughter.

Grady was a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of the USA and has been a field adviser, summer camp director and executive cirector for several Girl Scout councils, including Girl Scouts of the Pee Dee, now Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina. She has been recognized for her community efforts over the years, and received the Order of the Palmetto, the that’s highest civilian award. She was also involved in Altrusa Club, Civitan Club and was a guardian ad litem. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and lived in Florence.

Luehrs is the CEO of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Dillon County United Way. She is a member of Latta Presbyterian Church, Dillon County Historical Society, Order of the Eastern Star, Latta Revitalization, Dillon County Theater, Latta Area Arts Council and Rural Area Leadership Institute. She lives in Latta with her husband, Don.

Perkins is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville and has been a pastor for more than 20 years. She is involved in the New Harmony Presbytery and serves as a member of the board of Trustees of Presbyterian College. She is the president-elect of the Darlington County Habitat for Humanity board of directors. Gardner has a bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. Perkins has two children and a grandchild.

In addition to authoring and co-authoring several historical books, Smith is involved in BOSMITH Furniture Co., as well as several community organizations. Smith’s past involvements include Bishopville City Council, Lee County Arts Council, Robert E. Lee Academy’s Board of Directors, Lee County Historical Society and Central Carolina College’s Board of Commissioners. She lives in Bishopville with her husband, Thomas, and has four children, nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Blain-Olds is the assistant city administrator for the town of Conway. She has a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. She is involved with the Waccamaw Regional Education Center Advisory Board, the Horry County Department of Social Services Advisory Board and is a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She lives in Conway with her husband, Jesse, and they have a son.

DuRant is a partner and certified public accountant for WebsterRogers in Myrtle Beach. In addition to memberships to several professional organizations, DuRant is involved with the American Red Cross, First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Long Bay Symphony. She lives in Myrtle Beach.

Tickets to this year’s gala are $50 and are available in advance by calling (843) 669-5174.

For details on Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina, visit www.girlscoutsesc.org.