Grande Dame of Animals celebrates 81 years
Elaine Gressette Parker, president emeritus of the Animal Protection League celebrated her 81st birthday July 4, 2007.
Contributed by Deloris Mungo

Elaine Gressette Parker is honored by her friends on her 81st birthday, July 4, 2007.

Elaine Gressette Parker was surprised by a special group of friends to celebrate her 81st birthday party Friday, June 29, 2007, at Hennesey's Restaurant. Having recently broken her foot while walking her precious dog Sophie (a Project Pet rescue), Elaine (the president emeritus of Animal Protection League) was a little down in the dumps. Elaine feels we should all work together to make sure each and every pet has a wonderful life like her Sophie does!. No one in our community has done more for animals or done it longer than Elaine Gressette Parker.

Elaine was presented with a sparkling tiara and a faux feather boa. But most of all she was appreciated, toasted, hugged and kissed by her friends who surprised her. The group included Ann and Jim Gandy, who were the ones who secretly got Elaine there; Robyn Parker Elaine's niece and her fiancé Tristen Neville; Deloris and Stewart Mungo; lifelong friend Jean Smith; Virginia Kinney; Jay Graham; Laura Thackston and Skip Mitchell; Denise Wilkinson; Tai McIlwinen and her one- year- old son Jack, an already committed animal lover; Mary and Gary Springer; and Liz McMillan.

Elaine's actual birthday was July 4. We would all like to salute the true Grande Dame of Animals. May she have many, many more in good health, and we only want to wish her many more years of saving animals everywhere. We love you, Elaine.

Editor's note: Elaine Parker is the daughter of Tatum Gressette, a member of the USC Hall of Fame. His famous drop-kick field goal gave the Gamecocks a 3- 0 win over Clemson in 1920. Gressette lived in Columbia and until his death in 1997 he was the oldest living former Gamecock football captain.