Music teacher who touched many lives celebrates 100th birthday
By DONNA L. HOLMAN, T&D Correspondent Thursday, August 21, 20081 comment(s) | Default | Large
Mary Pauline Merritt Ulmer, who taught piano and voice in schools in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties and gave private lessons in her home, celebrated her 100th birthday on July 26 with family and friends. On that major milestone in her life, Ulmer, now a resident at The Oaks, quipped, “I am so proud that I have been able to touch so many lives, and I’m happy that I’ve got my real teeth and my sense.”
Born in Windfall, N.C., Ulmer has lived most of her life in and around Alcolu and Orangeburg. She finished Manning High, spent two years at Converse College and graduated from Columbia College in 1930 with a degree in music.
The daughter of Walter Ustace Merritt and Marina Harvin, Ulmer married the late “Jack” Floyd Thomas Ulmer Sr. in 1933 at Washington Street Methodist Church in Columbia. Mr. Ulmer was born in 1907 near Cameron and was a well-liked and respected merchant and farmer.
The Ulmers had two children, Jacqueline “Jackie” Martin, who lives in Havertown, Pa. and Floyd Thomas “Tommy” Ulmer Jr., who lives in North Augusta. There are five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Tommy Ulmer said his mother has always been “prim and proper” and a quiet person, but he said that didn’t hold her back from getting out and traveling.
Mrs. Ulmer’s father owned and operated a lumber yard in Alcolu.
Twenty-one friends and family members joined her for a birthday celebration at Clark’s Restaurant in Santee. As a special token of their gratitude and love, her family presented Ulmer with a photo album of memories complete with a unique poem composed by her granddaughter, Kathy Matney.
“I got a dozen roses and a corsage,” Ulmer said, smiling. “I got so many cards from friends and family and a letter from the President and the Governor. I heard from four different churches for my birthday.”
Ulmer said she felt fortunate to have been blessed with so many friends and loved ones.
“I have pretty much done all I set out to do. I’m ready to go,” she said.
To keep busy, Ulmer reads and watches television.
Her advice to others on their journey through life is to “live a good life and keep it good all your life.”
T&D Correspondent Donna L. Holman can be reached by e-mail at ladyflyer7@msn.com.
To subscribe to the print edition of The Times and Democrat, click here.
pedingsgang wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:52 PM: