Saluda Woman Turns 111, Gives Advice on Long Life

South Carolina Public Radio | By Tut Underwood

Published June 19, 2017 at 5:04 PM EDT

Laura Wright of Saluda (right), just turned 111 years old. Her "baby sister," Annie Belle Chappelle, is 96.

Laura Wright of Saluda recently celebrated her 111th birthday. Friends and relatives, including her 96-year-old "baby sister," gathered to pay tribute to her long and well-lived life. A teacher for decades, Wright said her parents prepared and encouraged her and her siblings to get an education and contribute to society. Her friend Costena Kelly cited "Miss Laura" as a role model, saying "She always said 'be a lady. Carry yourself as a lady.' That’s instilled in me." Asked how she has lived such a remarkably long time, Wright quoted the commandment, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days might be long upon the land which the Lord thy God give thee."

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Tut Underwood

Tut Underwood is producer of South Carolina Focus, a weekly news feature. A native of Alabama, Tut graduated from Auburn University with a BA in Speech Communication. He worked in radio in his hometown before moving to Columbia where he received a Master of Mass Communications degree from the University of South Carolina, and worked for local radio while pursuing his degree. He also worked in television. He was employed as a public information specialist for USC, and became Director of Public Information and Marketing for the South Carolina State Museum. His hobbies include reading, listening to music in a variety of styles and collecting movies and old time radio programs.

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