Back in 1942, Lois Hungerpiller of Elloree decided to take a break from her job as a teacher. She joined the Women's Army Corps, where she worked in the motor pool, cleaning cars, checking tires and spark plugs.

Before and after her Army service, Hungerpiller taught school, compiling an impressive 45 years in the classroom.

As she celebrated her 101st birthday on July 19 at Orangeburg Nursing Home where she now resides, Hungerpiller reflected that she preferred teaching students from second grade up because they had already conquered the basics.

A native of Augusta, Ga., Hungerpiller moved to Elloree with her family in 1915. She attended Winthrop in Rock Hill and earned her master's in education at the University of South Carolina.

Her secret to longevity is behaving, Hungerpiller says, adding that she always worked too hard to get into any trouble.

Since she's not working anymore, Hungerpiller points out, she now has time for other activities such as knitting, completing word-find puzzles, reading large print novels and having conversations with the staff members. She is proud of her five nephews.

Hungerpiller says she cherishes each day of her life and considers every day a blessing from God.

T&D Correspondent Lillie Doctor can be reached by e-mail at doctorlil_@hotmail.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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