Bio

Born: March 23, 1905

Parents; Archie F. Hasty and Amy Jane McNeil

Husband; Joseph Graham

Work: Farming, seamstress, homemaker

Children: Two boys, three girls

Grandchildren: 12

Church: St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church for 93 years

The year that Sallie Mae Hasty Graham was born, the wage for most workers was 22 cents an hour.

There were only 45 states and the maximum speed limit in even large cities was 10 mph.

A lot has changed since 1905, but friends and family say Graham who turns 105 next week remains steadfast in her faith, commitment to family and love of life.

There will be a birthday celebration for the Laurinburg resident on Saturday at the Clinton Inn beginning at 2 p.m.

"We're just excited that she is 105," said her daughter Annie Worth.

Graham was born in Hasty, to Archie Hasty and Amy Jane McNeil. Her grandparents Joe Hasty and Sarah Locklear Hasty were sold by slave owners.

Growing up in a time where there were only 8,000 cars and 144 miles of paved roads, its no surprise that Graham has never driven or rode a bicycle. However, according to her family she always knew where she was going.

She married Joseph Graham, deceased, on May 20, 1930 in Bennettsville, S.C. at age 24. Together they had five children- two boys, both deceased, and three girls.

Worth lives next door to her mother on N. Main Street to care for her. Her other daughters, Amy Graham Holland and Sallie Cheston, reside in Maryland.

According to Graham, raising her children as single parent after the death of her husband proved to be her life's greatest feat.

"My husband died and left me and my children, I had to raise my children by myself," Graham said.

Graham supported her family through farm work in the tobocco, cotton and corn fields. She was also paid to cook; wash, iron and sew clothes; and help raise others children in the community.

This motherly role has not stopped in her old age. She continues through her role as a christian "Mother" in her church, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Hasty where she has been an active member for 93 years.

She has worn many Sunday hats as her church roles transitioned to include the positions of Sunday School teacher, Deaconess, President of the Missionary Society, Choir member and Treasurer of the Sunday School.

Being active was never a problem for this lady as she lived by the motto "When you slow down, you go down."

"We now understand why she was always busy doing things around the house," Cheston said.

This work included gardening.

According to Graham's family she had a vegetable garden but especially loved her flower garden.

Cheston describes her mother as "A lady of great faith, sharp mind, likes to be independent and a champion at the game of Dominoes."

Her sisters agree with this sentiment.

"She's a very strong person- she's strong minded and determinate and doesn't believe in sitting down," said Worth.

Worth recalls a recent time when her mother fell and broke her hip. According to her, the doctors thought she wouldn't recover but to their amazement did and is now walking with a walker.

"She still tries to do things on her own, we have to try and watch her," Worth chuckled.

Worth attributes Graham's longevity to her strength as well as her walk in the Christian faith.

"She's a Christian and is always treating people right and helping others when she can. She's a true jewel," Worth said.

For Graham, she's just living out the days she said the Lord spared her to have.

"The Lord promised me these days, so he let me have them," she said.