Published Friday, January 25, 2008 9:29 AM
Updated Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:35 PM
Pinewood
January 13th will set a benchmark for excellence at Pinewood Preparatory School that would fill my late aunt Henrietta Allan, the founder of Pinewood, with immense pride.
The fact that my family and I have been intertwined with a unique role model whom we honor makes this occasion not only special for me and our family, but the entire Summerville Community. I speak of course of Francis S. Suddeth Josephson, or Fran to those of us who had the opportunity to know her; observe her talents in business, art, style and elegance; see her guidance as a mother; and in her unsurpassed commitment to her country as a code breaker in World War II and in other roles throughout her life. She maintained interest in the Citadel Navy cadet program, designed the Summerville War Memorial, was a patriot who cherished freedom, worked with the Gibbes Women's Council for many years and was constantly nourished spiritually at St. Paul's Church.
Fran was a composite person whose talents, interests and accomplishments spanned the horizon. My sister Gracie, brother Dwight and I were closest friends with the Suddeth family. When Fran's husband, Mr. James Suddeth, was killed by a lightening strike at Miler golf course, I recall the outpouring of emotion of the community. I was fourteen years old. Fran grieved and grieved, but she somehow summoned her resolve to devote herself to her most important mission: raising her children. Fran employed that same focus, the steely determination and discipline she learned as a Naval officer, the intellect that was God given, and the elegance and charm that seemed unrehearsed and natural. Years later Fran was engaged to a U.S. Navy Captain in the kitchen of my house, formerly my parents' kitchen. They were two of Fran's closest friends. That as an adult I was fortunate enough to have so close a relationship with them is a shining memory in my life.
On January 13th, Pinewood Preparatory School completes a second climacteric in its Freedom Reigns program with the opening of the Francis S. Suddeth Josephson Liberty Garden. Fran will preside over the gardens which will contain the busts of leading world figures who have contributed to our Freedom including Churchill, Gandi, Mother Teresa, Dalhi lama, Mandela, and Einstein. The Garden will complement the mural in Freedom Hall that evokes the essence of our current Freedom by depicting the signal events of the Twentieth Century. Sharing comments during the Garden dedication program will be Peach Boswell, Joanne Johnston and Lindy Roes.
Please join us for the opening which will include a complimentary concert by the Summerville Community orchestra sponsored by James (Jed) Suddeth beginning at 4:00 p.m. A fund raising gala will be held that evening from 1830- to 2100 hours (6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) at Yeamans Hall Club.
A beautiful and moving presentation about Fran's life can be accessed at the Pinewood Prep Web Site.
Jed, the elegance, style, and most importantly the substance of your mother's life as well as the inspiration it will provide for students and our community will measure up to your mother's standard. No doubt, if she were still with us, she would issue a simple yet moving approval, "well done son", and the thought that the ribbon cutting will be accomplished by three year old James Suddeth IV will be the best response to her life's accomplishments.