BIOGRAPHY

Reed was born as Clara Pope in Newberry, South Carolina to parents Eli Pope and Bessie Carter, allegedly on 25 May 1913, although this claimed birth year is disputed by census records. She married George Reed and had four children, as well as adopting three more. She worked for the Greenwood Mop & Broom for almost 50 years.

As a centenarian, Reed was a member of Springfield Baptist Church. Aged 105, she still did her own gardening and enjoyed cooking.

On her 106th birthday, Reed claimed the secret to her longevity was “Every day I get up, I thank the Lord for letting me see another day and every time I go to bed I thank the Lord for letting me go to sleep another night.” She had never smoked nor drank alcohol.

RECOGNITION

In July 2019, Greenwood mayor Brandon Smith proclaimed 31 May as ‘Clara Reed Day.’ She was congratulated for her longevity, as well as her positive spirit and attitude.

ATTRIBUTION

• Greenwood resident turns 105 Index-Journal, 22 May 2018

• A very happy birthday: 106-year-old Clara Reed celebrates at Index-Journal Index-Journal, 1 June 2019

• May 31 proclaimed Clara Reed Day Index-Journal, 31 July 2019

GALLERY