On Tuesday, September 10, South Carolina State College honored certainly one of its alums, Johnnie Mae Lee, as she celebrated her outstanding 103rd birthday. Lee is SC State’s oldest residing graduate. Her birthday was marked with celebrations surrounded by household, together with her sister Sarah Garrison, Class of 1955, and her niece Shari Garrison Brown, Class of 1980.
The SC State College Nationwide Alumni Affiliation made the event further particular by presenting Ms. Lee with a “without end birthday card” and a doormat from their 2024 Nationwide Conference in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Ms. Lee is the primary of 11 youngsters. She grew up attending Bethel A.M.E. Church, the place she grew to become actively concerned in quite a few church and group actions from an early age. Her instructional journey started at South Fant Avenue College, adopted by Reed Avenue Excessive College. She graduated with honors because the salutatorian of her class.
In 1943, South Carolina A&M (now SC State College) awarded Ms. Lee a scholarship to attend, the place she earned a bachelor’s diploma in training. Upon finishing her research, she returned to her hometown to show at Reed Avenue College. She taught there for a yr earlier than relocating to New York Metropolis.
Ms. Lee pursued additional training in New York at Instructor’s School at Columbia College and Brooklyn School. Her skilled journey led her to town’s Division of Well being. A promotion allowed her to switch to the Division of Finance, the place she served as a principal administrative affiliate. After 37 years with the New York Metropolis authorities, Ms. Lee retired. She left behind a legacy of dedication to public service and training.
For over 40 years, Ms. Lee has resided in Cambria Heights, New York.
