In May 2025 a special ceremony was held in honor of Mrs. Celia Stanfield Price, who has given of her service tirelessly to the citizens of Colleton County. Mrs. Price was recognized for having been the longest serving and oldest member of the Board of Voter Registration and Elections. Several elected officials, out-of-town guests, family members, friends, and citizens of the county were in attendance for this standing-room-only momentous occasion. The late Ms. Lynette Fryar was also recognized for her dedicated service in the same ceremony. As the well-wishers entered the room where the ceremony was held at the Board of Voter Registration and Elections Office, they were entertained with a video presentation of pictures of the honorees, prepared by Herman Bright. Greetings were extended by Chairman of the Board, Dr. Queenie L. Crawford. Board Member and retired longtime Colleton County Clerk of Court, Mrs. Patricia C. Grant, delivered the welcome. Further, Mrs. Grant was recognized as one of Mrs. Price’s fifth grade students. Vice Chairman Janis K. Blocker delivered a most enlightening and uplifting invocation. In recognition of Mrs. Price and her accomplishments, Senator Margie Bright Matthews, along with remarks, presented her with a beautifully framed resolution on behalf of the South Carolina Senate for her having served on the Board for twenty years and for being the oldest serving member, at the age of 94. She was originally appointed to the board by the late Senator McKinley Washington, and she continues to serve to this day. Minister Anna Stevens Bright, one of Mrs. Price’s fifth grade students, presented her with a framed tribute. Bright said of her teacher, now her sorority sister and cousin, “You were Colleton Elementary School’s Finest. In every lesson taught, in every word of encouragement, in every moment of challenge, you planted seeds …” Vice Chairman Blocker and Board Member Timothy Hamilton presented Mrs. Price with a beautiful plaque on behalf of the Board for her noteworthy service. Others speaking on behalf of Mrs. Price were Representative Robbie Robbins, Colleton County Council Chairman Scott Biering, and her only surviving sibling, Ms. Esther Stanfield Black, also a retired educator. Colleton County Council officially declared May 2, 2025 as Mrs. Celia Price Day. She is a 75-year (Diamond) member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®; therefore, several of her sorority sisters from Gamma Xi Omega Chapter in Charleston, South Carolina traveled to Walterboro to witness this coveted honor bestowed upon her. Mrs. Price’s sister is also a member of this same chapter. Mrs. Price’s longtime friend and Diamond sorority sister, Mrs. Rosemary Carr of Charleston, attended as well. Some members of Xi Omega Omega Chapter of Walterboro were in also in attendance. Further, some members of the Lowcountry Ladies, Order of Eastern Star, and other organizations to which she belongs also shared in the festivities. Mrs. Price was born and raised in the Mashawville Community of Colleton County to Mr. Melvin and Mrs. Violet Stanfield. She was married to the late Mr. Benjamin E. Price, Sr. who passed in 2002. She is the stepmother to Hewlett Price and Benjamin E. Price, Jr. After graduating from Colleton Training School in 1947, she attended South Carolina State College, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Liberal Arts. Later, she received her Education Specialist degree from the University of Georgia. She taught 43 years in the public schools of South Carolina. She belongs to several social and civic organizations and holds office in some of them. Mrs. Price is a member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. The citizens of Colleton County and their families have truly been blessed with her remarkable service. Current members of the Board are: Queenie L. Crawford, Celia S. Price, Kimber L. Santorella, Patricia A. Grant, Janis K. Blocker, and Timothy D. Hamilton. Previous Board Member Charles B. Davis, Director Angela G. Upchurch, and Deputy Director Cynthia Williams assisted with the planning of the events.
