I.S. LEEVY JOHNSON

I.S. Leevy Johnson attended Carver Elementary School and C.A. Johnson High School, graduating in 1960. He went on to earn an associate degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota; a bachelor of science degree from Benedict College; and a juris doctor degree from the University of South Carolina.

He was one of the first three African-Americans elected to the South Carolina General Assembly since Reconstruction, and he was a founding member of the S.C. Legislative Black Caucus. His many other achievements include being the first African-American elected president of the S.C. Bar Association. On the national level, he currently serves as president of the American Bar Association Endowment. He also owns and operates Leevy’s Funeral Home.

Johnson is a member of the S.C. Black Hall of Fame. The S.C. Highway 277/Farrow Road interchange was named in his honor in 2003.

CELIA PHELPS MARTIN

A 1937 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Celia Phelps Martin earned her bachelor’s degree from Benedict College and her master’s degree from South Carolina State. Martin taught at Saluda High School, Winnsboro High School and at Perrin Thomas Elementary in Richland One, where she was head teacher. She went on to serve as principal at Perrin Thomas, Waverly kindergarten and Sarah Nance Elementary. Martin retired from Richland One in 1982 after 41 years of service to the district.

The Booker T. Washington Foundation honored Martin for her efforts to perpetuate the historical significance, educational traditions and cultural heritage of Booker T. Washington High. She continues to serve on the BTW Foundation Board. Her many other honors and awards include being named Boss of the Year for Richland One in 1980 and receiving the Living the Legacy Award for outstanding service from the National Council of Negro Women Inc. She was recognized for 50+ years of dedicated service to the National Association of University Women. She also is one of the founders of the Palmetto Cemetery Association, which was established in 1979.

THE LATE LT. COL. GEORGE D. "MARTY" MARTIN III

George D. "Marty" Martin III was born Sept. 12, 1960 in Columbia, the son of George and Thelma Martin. A 1979 graduate of Lower Richland High School, Martin also attended Rosewood Elementary and Hopkins Junior High. He went on to graduate from Presbyterian College in 1983, with a bachelor of science degree in sociology, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry.

Martin commanded and led troops at every level of tactical leadership from platoon leader to battalion commander. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Command Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. He was inducted into the 75th Ranger Regiment as a Distinguished Member. He also was inducted into the Presbyterian College ROTC Hall of Fame.

He served in a number of command and staff positions, including commanding companies at Fort Lewis, Wash., and Fort Campbell, Ky. His last assignment was as commander of Joint Task Force Full Accounting in Vietnam. Martin and six other servicemen were killed in a helicopter crash April 7, 2001, while searching for the bodies of MIAs in Vietnam.

S.C. SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JEAN TOAL

Jean Hoefer Toal, a 1961 graduate of Dreher High School, attended Agnes Scott College where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology in 1965. She went on to receive her juris doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

After law school, Toal worked as an associate attorney in the Haynsworth, Perry, Bryant, Marion & Johnstone law firm in Greenville from 1968 to 1970. She then joined the Columbia law firm of Belser, Baker, Barwich, Ravenel & Bender and was made partner in 1974. Toal served in the S.C. House of Representatives from 1975 to 1988, and was the first woman to chair a standing committee in the House.

In 1988, Toal became the first woman ever elected to the S.C. Supreme Court. In 2000, she was installed as Chief Justice. Her many honors and awards include the Agnes Scott College Outstanding Alumna Award (1991); the John W. Williams Award from the Richland County Bar Association (1994); and the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award from the American Bar Association.