Sumter woman celebrates 107th birthday on June 10

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Sumter native Beatrice Sumpter celebrated her 107th birthday, June 10, surrounded by friends, family and loved ones at her home last Saturday.

As a child, Sumpter worked on a farm in her early years, following in the footsteps of her parents, who were sharecroppers. She married her husband, James, in her late teens, and from this union, 10 children were born.

Sumpter worked as a school attendant at Ebenezer Middle School for years. She also had numerous hobbies, from fishing to traveling and spending time with friends at the local community center.

As a devoted, long-standing member of Joshua Baptist Church, Sumpter served in various positions and has been regarded as the "Mother of the Church."

She received a proclamation from Sumter Mayor David Merchant on June 10, which described her as a "loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of five generations" as well as a "woman of character, integrity and wisdom." She will remain a "wonderful role model" to her family, friends and all who have met her.

With the proclamation, Merchant proclaimed Friday, June 10, 2022, as "Beatrice Sumpter Day" in the City of Sumter.