Leatherman, Hamilton receive 2022 Marion Medallion honors

Leatherman, Hamilton receive 2022 Marion Medallion honors

A local advocate for education and a longtime crusader against domestic violence were recognized for their service to the Pee Dee region and awarded the 2022 Marion Medallion on Friday.

Jean Leatherman, owner of ERA Leatherman Realty, and Ellen Hamilton, executive director of the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, were presented with the Medallions before a crowd of friends, family and supporters during a ceremony at the FMU Performing Arts Center.

Leatherman was given her award by Dr. Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University. Carter lauded Leatherman’s charitable contributions to Florence and the Pee Dee, including her advocacy for medical, nursing, and healthcare education, as well as other extensive civic, community, and philanthropic efforts.

Together with her husband, the late Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr., Jean has worked tirelessly for over four decades to improve educational opportunities for students in the Pee Dee.

Hamilton, the second to be recognized in Friday’s ceremony, was introduced by Matt Tranquil, president of the Florence Morning News and Amplified Digital. Tranquil shared Hamilton’s story, which began with helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in 1977. She has served as executive director of the Pee Dee Coalition since the organization was established in 1986.

In addition to working directly with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Hamilton’s contributions to the community are numerous. She was involved in the development of statewide plans for domestic and sexual assault victim services, helped establish the first rural domestic violence emergency safe shelter in 1982, and has worked with elected officials on the development of public policy related to the field.

The Marion Medallion was created in 2012 and is sponsored jointly by Francis Marion University and the Florence Morning News. Named after American Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion, the award is presented on or about Feb. 27, which is Francis Marion Day in South Carolina. Executives of the two organizations select each year’s recipients, seeking individuals and groups imbued with the spirit of service and willing sacrifice exhibited by General Marion and his men.

Over the last 11 years, 28 women, men or organizations have been recognized for a variety of ministries, good deeds and services conducted on behalf of their fellow citizens.

View the Marion Medallion presentation on FMU’s YouTube channel.