By Carley Wiggins
For those who follow my column, you may have noticed that I enjoy recognizing people who reach certain milestones in their lives. It has been my privilege in 2011 to write about two Dillon County citizens who have attained the age of 100 years. Today I will tell you of another who in just a few days will also celebrate 100 years upon this earth.
Eva Janie Bullock was born December 27, 1911. On the Tuesday after Christmas she will be one hundred years old. She was one of two daughters born to Henry Mackly ”Dock” and Beadie Lou Lupo Bullock. She attended school at the old Union School and one year at the New Union School at Gaddy’s Mill. She graduated Lake View High School in 1932.
She lived on a farm near Lake View with her parents. Except for about two years, Miss Janie as most call her, was born and lived in the same house. She was very devoted to her parents and took good care of them until their deaths in 1956 and 1957, only seven months apart. Miss Janie never married.
She joined Piney Grove Baptist Church at an early age, and when the church celebrated its two hundredth anniversary in 2009, Miss Janie was the oldest living member of the church at age 98. Miss Janie learned to play the piano by ear and became good at it. She told us of playing for her family each evening after supper. She attained many talents such as crocheting, embroidering and knitting. She told of crocheting over 90 Afghans and giving them away to friends. She told of having quilting parties at their home in years gone by. For many years she continued to live in the home place with her niece, Marguerite Ford Arnette and her husband Billy Arnette. Mrs. Arnette is the one responsible for this story and shared many valuable thoughts about her aunt that she seems to care a great deal for. For about a year now, Miss Janie has been a resident of the Pines Nursing Home.
Except for being a little hard of hearing, she seems to be in pretty good health. She can read without glasses and that is something that I cannot do. We had a good visit with this dear lady and when I asked how she felt; she replied “I feel just fine.” My prayer for Miss Janie is that God would allow her as many years on this earth as he would see fit.
Her niece, Mrs. Arnette has a birthday party planned for Miss Janie on the 27th, and I know that many of her friends will be there to help her celebrate.