Dr. Lela Haynes Session papers

Dr. Lela Haynes Session (1921-2013) was born July 21, 1921, in Moncks Corner to David and Mary Ida Boney Haynes. She attended schools in Berkeley County and the Avery Normal Institute. After she graduated from the Avery Normal Institute in 1940, she earned a bachelor's degree from Allen University in 1944 and a master’s degree from South Carolina State College in 1951.

Dr. Session was a lifelong educator beginning her career teaching at Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, S.C. Her early teaching experience also included time at a two-teacher Brickyard School in Huger, a year at Alston High School in Summerville, five years at Berkely Training School in Moncks Corner, and one year at Carver High School in Spartanburg. In 1952, she transitioned to education administration and worked for seven years as the Jeanes Teacher Supervisor of Berkeley County. Other administrative positions she held include Supervisor of Elementary Education, Supervisor of Adult Education, Director of Retirement, and Director of Teachers’ Welfare.

Outside of her career, Dr. Session was an active parishioner of the Moncks Corner AME church and an active member of the larger AME Church structure, serving as a Lay Delegate on multiple occasions. She also was involved with Berkeley County politics and served on the Board of Directors of the Moncks Corner Library from 1972-1982, was a state delegate to the National Democratic Convention, Secretary and Treasurer of the Berkley County Democratic Party, and a member of the Moncks Corner Zoning Commission.