Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Stoney's daughters accept flowers for their mother alongside community organizer Lottie Lewis.
The AYT Dance Team performs at the ceremony.
Born in 1928 when Allendale County was only nine years old, Helen Aiken Stoney has witnessed decades of change within Allendale as a citizen and nurse.
On November 4, the Allendale community gathered at the Carolina theater to celebrate Stoney’s legacy, and present her with the Maya Angelou award. Named in honor of writer and civil rights legend Maya Angelou, the award is presented each year by the Allendale Rural Arts Team, which is a project of Allendale community organizer Lottie Lewis.
“There’s another quote by Maya Angelou that says, ‘People may forget what you said, they may forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel,’" Lewis said at the event. “Stoney made you feel good whenever you met her. She always had a smile, always gentle, always kind. That’s why we’re celebrating her tonight.”
Stoney herself was not in attendance due to an illness, according to Lewis. However, the event featured multiple artistic performances: a solo by saxophonist Bo Gardner, a dance performance by the local AYT Dance Team, singing and poetry readings.
At Stoney’s ceremony, community member Arnetta Hulen performed Caged Bird, a famous poem by Angelou in which the story of a caged bird serves as a metaphor for the plight of Black people in the United States.
“Each Maya Angelou program is designed to acknowledge, recognize and show appreciation to and for women in this community who have shown they shine their light as Maya Angelou did,” said Lydia Bynton, program manager of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. “She was the only face of color in the doctor's office for many years. She gave us the courage to believe that we can be what we strive to be.”
During her decades in the field of healthcare, Stoney was a critical part of the Laffitte and Warren Medical Center, the physician’s office on Memorial Avenue North in the Town of Allendale.
Allendale Town Council member Kathy Tharin announced that within the Town of Allendale, November 5 will be recognized as “Helen Aiken Stoney Family Day.”
“Ms. Stoney has been, for over 30 years, Laffitte and Warren and was one of the pillars of the building, because I remember her too,” Tharin said. “She is a solid warrior and advocate for all. She has maintained high moral standards throughout this community.”
Stoney’s presence as a nurse of color within the community, event speakers said, had a strong effect on young people in the county.
“I appreciated being able to go into the doctor’s office and see somebody that looked like me,” said community member Chasity Robinson. “It was amazing growing up in the early 90’s and see someone that actually put the work in to be there and actually deserved to be there. She took her job seriously.”
Allendale County Council member James White Jr. spoke at the event, and announced that at the next Allendale County Council meeting, which will be Nov. 16, a resolution will be introduced to recognize Stoney’s contributions.
“She has always been a person of few words who goes about her business,” White said. “The love that her family has for her now is a reflection of the love and care she has given her family.”
