Honorary Byrnes Scholars

Honorary Byrnes Scholars are persons who have made special contributions to The Byrnes Foundation and who have been duly elected as Honorary Members by the Board of Directors of The Byrnes Scholars. Membership is extended only to those persons whose contribution has been accepted and acknowledged by The Byrnes Foundation.

The Honorable Linsday O. Graham, United States Senator from South Carolina, was named an honorary Byrnes Scholar at the 2009 luncheon. Pictured left to right, Foundation Director Paula Harper-Bethea, Scholars President Natalie Owens, Sen. Graham, and Foundation President Dr. Bill Rowe.

The following persons are Honorary Byrnes Scholars:

• Willie Byrd, longtime chauffeur for Gov. and Mrs. Byrnes
• Margaret Courtney, The Byrnes Foundation Executive Secretary from 1973 to 1993
• Andy Courtney, the diligent man behind the successful woman
• Jean Elton, Executive Secretary of The Byrnes Foundation from 1993 to 1999
• Bob Elton, the diligent man behind the successful woman
• Lyle Burns, investment counselor for The Byrnes Foundation since 1975
• John Cothran, husband of Jeanette (1952 scholar), active involvement with the Byrnes Foundation since 1961; Co-Chair of Opportunity of a Lifetime Capital Campaign
• Michael Burns, investment counselor for The Byrnes Foundation
• Charlton F. Hall, Jr., benefactor of The James F. Byrnes Foundation and owner of Charlton Hall Antique Galleries
• The Honorable Lindsay O. Graham, United States Senator from South Carolina

• Aïda Rogers – former editor of the Sandlapper, loyal supporter of the foundation.

• Lucretia “Miss Lucy” Owens – mother of 1986 scholar Natalie Owens, loyal member of our family for over 25 years.

• Dennis McElveen – husband of 1984 scholar Pam McElveen, and long-time supporter.
• Kenya D. White – current Executive Secretary to the Byrnes Foundation.