BAMBERG - Members of the Class of 1942 of the former A.J. Thackston High School in Orangeburg, which burned down in 1983, recently celebrated their 65th reunion.

Sixteen of the approximately 120 graduates of the old school gathered at Trinity United Methodist Church in Bamberg to reminisce about their school days and catch up with what's been happening with each other over the years.

Prior to enjoying a meal of ham, chicken and dressing, vegetables and strawberry pie, each class member gave an oral update of their lives and families. Following the meal, which was served on tables draped in the school colors of purple and gold, line dance entertainment was provided by Etha Ezekiel Bair and her sister Joan, Suzie Betsill Smoak and Carmen Grooms.

Several members of the class are deceased and were missed by all. A number of others live out of town or had other commitments and were not able to attend. Many of the former Thackston High classmates have remained lifelong friends and still reside in the Orangeburg area.

The sixteen classmates who were able to attend were: Suzie Betsill Smoak, Lora Evie Burns Thomas, Annie Ruth Dominick Livingston, Carmen Bair Grooms, Billie Easterling Smith, Josephione Freeland Shuler, Rose Herbert Berry, Samuel T. Mitchum Sr., Etha Ezekiel Bair, Peggy Lee Johnson, Fannie Farnum Jackson, Catherine Mitchum Senn, Lee Smoak, Foots Brodie, John G. Smith and Eldon McKagen.

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