She’s 98 and counting

Published 10:58 am Thursday, March 13, 2014

Ninety-eight years, that’s how long Myra Farrior has lived, and anyone who talks to her knows she has some interesting stories to tell.

Farrior, who recently turned 98, was born in 1916 and lived in the Live Oak Community until 1963, when she moved here.

Many may remember her as the sales lady at the Fair Store for some 47 years.

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“I worked as the sales lady and went to market in Atlanta and Birmingham,” she said.

She also volunteered her time at the hospital as a pink lady for five years.

Farrior recalled many good times in her life, including her times in elementary school.

“My sister and I walked together two miles and other friends walked to school with us,” she said. “We had no water at the school. We had to get water at a spring.”

Farrior remembered the teacher would ask students to get buckets.

After her grandfather passed away, they drove a horse and buggy to school in Petrey some four miles to school every day.

Farrior said she played basketball and volleyball, while in school.

Farrior eventually graduated from Highland Home.

After her retirement, she enjoyed group trips to Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, and even traveled to Texas to see family.

She recalled times during the Depression.

“Daddy had two bales of cotton that he sold,” she said.

Farrior and her sister made extra money helping hoe in the fields. One time, they had the opportunity to make $6 for plowing.

“I was so proud,” she said. “Money was scarce.”

Farrior said President Franklin D. Roosevelt was one of the best presidents.

“He was elected after Hoover,” she said. “Everything began to change. We had electricity. He got jobs for people without jobs.”

Farrior said she could remember when there were two or three stores in Patsburg.

“We went shopping on Saturday,” she said.

Like most children, she had some near misses with disaster.

Farrior said one time she wanted to ride a pretty calf and the cow threw her over its head.

“It didn’t hurt me,” she said.

Going to church has also been an important part of Farrior’s life.

“I went to Patsburg Baptist Church,” she said. “I joined when I was 15 years old. I taught Sunday School for young people, and was the secretary-treasurer for 24 years.”

Farrior said one of the biggest changes in her nearly 10 decades of living is the people.

“The people have changed,” she said. “The economy is really bad, and there is more crime now. We didn’t have anything like that. Everyone tried to get along, and everyone visited. People don’t do that now.”

Farrior recalled having community quiltings, hog killings and home demonstrations.

Farrior said she’s worked hard all of her life and has done for others.

“I’ve had a good life,” she said. “And I have tried to live as a good Christian woman. I have always had good friends. The Lord has really been good to me. I’m prepared to go, but not ready yet.”