https://longeviquest.com/2024/12/doreatha-bishop-south-carolinas-oldest-known-resident-celebrates-her-110th-birthday/

Doreatha Bishop, South Carolina’s Oldest Known Resident, Celebrates Her 110th Birthday

Doreatha Bishop, the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of South Carolina, celebrated her 110th birthday in Barnwell on 20 December. Her birthday was first reported by WACH (channel 57).

Doreatha Bishop was born in Ellenton, a former community that was located on the border between Barnwell and Aiken counties in South Carolina, on 20 December 1914. Her parents were Daniel Alexander Gillis and Lucy Ellen Davis. She was the eighth of ten children and she outlived all of her siblings. As a child, she worked tirelessly, picking peas, beans, and cotton, and cutting asparagus. She watered the cows, mules, and hogs and fed the chickens, ducks, and turkeys. She also gathered firewood and fetched water for her mother to cook. She attended Butler School, a small board school, walking five miles each way through cold and rain to pursue her education. Her parents strongly valued education and were determined that their children receive a good one.

On 5 December 1936, she married Blake Bishop Sr., and together they raised seven children: Richard, William, Annie Mae “Anne,” Blake Jr., Willie Lee, Willie Mae, and Maryann. Blake and Doreatha dedicated many years to working hard on their farm. Once their children grew up and left home for opportunities in the North—some attending college and others joining the military—the couple retired from farming. Doreatha then worked as a nursing aide at the Barnwell County Nursing Home for many years.

The featured image was sourced from: The People-Sentinel

Happy Birthday!