Abelle Nivens (AIKEN, S.C.)

AIKEN, S.C. - The world lost a beautiful soul on April 4, 2008 at the Aiken Regional Hospital. Dr. Abelle Edith Palmore Nivens was born on May 16, 1916 as the tenth child of Abraham and Minnie Palmore of Graniteville, South Carolina. Mrs. Nivens' mother, Minnie Palmore, was a teacher who taught for over 50 years in the public schools of South Carolina and then retired to open her own private kindergarten for another 30 years. As a daughter, of an educator Abelle advanced in her education early in life. She managed to complete her junior college studies at Bettis Academy at the early age of eighteen (18) years old. Thereafter, she answered her life's call and began teaching at a small school on the outskirts of Aiken County. Her next job was a demanding assignment outside of the Town of Estill, South Carolina. In this Low Country, one teacher school, she taught mostly the children of the plantation workers of the area. She remained there for seven years until she submitted to her desire to further her education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from South Carolina State College in 1945. After graduation, she returned to Estill for one term to fulfill her promise to the administration and families of the area. On June, 1946, she was joined in holy matrimony to her college sweetheart, the late Manuel J. Nivens. He was also community activist, dedicated life member of NAACP and a retired insurance manager and agent of Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Mrs. Nivens entered the prestigious Columbia University Teachers College, New York City, New York and continued until she completed the Master Degree Program 1950. She returned to her home of South Carolina to teach as she continued her studies during summer months. She continued to study until she received 30 hours above her Masters Degree. Mrs. Nivens taught in many Aiken County Public Schools such as Horsecreek, Clearwater and Jefferson Elementary for forty three (43) years. In 1979, she retired from the Public School System and started the Minnie Palmore House Learning Center. Abelle poured her life's dreams, savings and energy into this institution for over 25 years until she retired her second time in 2004. Her greatest honor was bestowed by her beloved alma mater South Carolina State University in an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities awarded in 1989. Mrs. Nivens received other honors as follows: The World Who's Who of Women 1984, Who's Who of Black America, Citizen of the Year for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Woman of the Year for Aiken County Chamber of Commerce , Citizen of the Year for Friendship Baptist Church and several other area churches, American Biographical Institute, International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, Who's Who Among American Teachers 1994, and Aiken County Teacher of the year 1977 . She had the following publications; 'Women and the Changing Times', 'Changes of Racial Attitudes in our Community', 'Women and the Ecology', 'What is a Teacher', and 'You Give of Yourself'. Some of Mrs. Nivens professional awards and accomplishments were as follows: Held all offices from president to member of the Aiken County Teachers Association, State Chairman of Primary Department, Board Member of Aiken County Council on Mental Health, Member of the Advisory Council of the Aiken County Board of Education Area #3. National Educator Association Life Member, Member of the Board of Directors of the Central Savannah River Area Girl Scouts, Secretary of the Black Coalition of Aiken County, Member of the Concerned Citizens for Better Education for Black Aiken Countians, Member of the National Council for Negro Woman, Member of N.A.A.C.P., Member of Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc. Mrs. Niven's greatest joys have been her family. Two daughters were born to the union of Manuel and Abelle Nivens, Cellilus Dorothy (Charlie) Spell and Lauminnia Nivens. She was the proud grandmother of five grandsons, one granddaughter, and the grandmother to several others by emotional adoptions. She also leaves to mourn her lost four great grand children and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Abelle joined the Valley Fair Baptist Church at a young age. She served faithfully and was the church clerk for over 50 years. When God called her home she held the longest continued membership having been baptized at eight years of age. G.L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary, 390 Beaufort St., Aiken (803) 648-0134 Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle-April 10, 2008