BOWMAN - Hard working, dedicated and dependable are words often used by those who know her to describe one of Bowman’s best known residents, Lurline Fogle. And, at age 90, Mrs. Fogle says she has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

Fogle moved to Bowman in 1953 at the tender age of 35. Her husband died just a few years later. She has a daughter who lives in Orangeburg, Mrs. Gladys Moss, 73.

Fogle attributes her long life to working hard, going to bed early, going to church and praying.

She says she still starts her mornings each day with the same breakfast -- bacon, eggs and grits.

“I have to have my breakfast. It keeps me going all day,” Fogle said.

Over the years, she worked in dry cleaning, caring for the elderly and for a few years at Ambler Industries.

“I am a simple person, and I only wanted simple things out of my life,” Fogle said. “God has really blessed me.”

She says her personal philosophy is “Do unto others as you would have them do onto you.”

“Every time I plant my garden, I give everyone around me in the neighborhood something out it. My neighbors and I have never had one argument since I’ve been hear for over 55 years,” Fogle said.

Fogle said she was been giving her best friend, Mrs. Alberta Oliver, a ride to church for the past 23 years. Fogle is very active at New Covenant United Methodist Church, where she serves in several capacities including church leader.

She still enjoys quilting, crocheting, word puzzles and working in her garden, and she handles all of her own business affairs and takes care of herself on a daily basis.

Fogle said she believes it’s important for parents and other adult role models to talk with young people and to listen to them ... and pray for them every day.

“You know that’s all we can do is talk and pray,” she said. “Whenever I see the young men and their pants aren’t hanging off their waists, I say, ‘You look so nice, young man.’”

“Sister Lurline is one the nicest people I’ve ever met,” Bowman resident Starlean Garvin said.

Fogle’s contributions to the community and others were recently recognized when the Willing Workers Chapter No. 28 of the Order of the Eastern Star saluted her on her birthday, surprising her with gifts and refreshments.

T&D Correspondent Randy Thomas can be reached by e-mail @ rtevents55@yahoo.com or by phone at 803-308-5581.

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