A heartfelt tribute is being paid to a beloved educator and her deceased spouse in the Lowcountry. The couple’s contributions and achievements are being celebrated through this special recognition.
The South Carolina Department of Education sponsors an annual calendar that acknowledges the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the state. These individuals are highlighted in the calendar each year.
DeLaris Risher fondly recalls her love for the Tennessee Waltz, while her husband Modie shared the same passion for the dance.
In October, the South Carolina African American History calendar pays tribute to Risher and her late husband. The couple had a passion for dancing, as well as a deep love for people and education. Their inclusion in the calendar is a testament to their contribution to African American culture and history.
According to Risher, her husband was a remarkable man who possessed a wide range of skills. “He was a jack of all trades,” she fondly remembered.
As an alumnus of Burke High School, Modie Risher took on the role of football coach and became a mentor to countless students throughout the years. His dedication to the school and its students was recognized by the school administration, and the gymnasium was named in his honor. Today, the Modie Risher Gymnasium stands as a testament to his impact and legacy on the Burke High School community.
According to Risher, her husband was heavily involved in athletics as a coach and an official. He dedicated his time to the field and eventually went on to become one of the top employees for city recreation in Charleston.
Modie and DeLaris’ love story began on the sidelines of a college football game. Modie, who was officiating the game, caught the eye of DeLaris, an instructor at Claflin College. She had attended the game with other staff and students from the college in Orangeburg.
During Claflin’s games, Modie Risher would always ask about DeLaris, the young lady who used to accompany him. Mrs. Walker would relay this message to DeLaris and tell her to say hello to Modie Risher, but DeLaris would either be in class or in the dorm. This exchange between Mrs. Walker and DeLaris continued every time Claflin had a game.
DeLaris made a name for herself as a trailblazer before she became Mrs. Modie Risher. Along with another woman from Texas, she broke the color barrier at Scarritt, a Christian college in Nashville, Tennessee.
During her time at Scarritt, she attended classes at the nearby Peabody College, which was segregated at that time. Initially, she was barred from attending classes with the white students.
Risher was soon invited to be a part of the talks.
During her 35-year tenure at Charles A. Brown High School, Risher taught History after relocating to Charleston following her marriage. She also started a family with her husband and had two children.
At the age of 60s, Mr. Risher lost his sight and eventually passed away in 2016 at the age of 88 while being held in his wife’s arms.
According to Risher, he and his friend were quite popular in Charleston during social events because they would take the floor and dazzle everyone with their moves. “But he and I were popular in Charleston because whenever there were socials, and we were invited we took the floor and everybody just, they thought it was amazing,” Risher shared.
In October of this year, the South Carolina African American History calendar will feature a couple deeply committed to civil rights, education, and service. Their love story is one for the ages, and their dedication to these causes has been unwavering throughout their lives.
The calendar for this year includes some notable personalities such as A’ja Wilson, a former Gamecock and current WNBA player, and Judge Clifton Newman, who was the judge for the Alex Murdaugh murder trial.
