Community celebrates centenarian citizen

By Doris Newman
Posted 9/4/13

In 1931, she was the valedictorian of the graduating class at Emory High School. In 2013, Hazel Poston Panter is still excelling.

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Community celebrates centenarian citizen

Posted

In 1931, she was the valedictorian of the graduating class at Emory High School. In 2013, Hazel Poston Panter is still excelling.

On Thursday, family and friends gathered at the Alba Library and Museum to celebrate her 100th birthday. A table held a collection of mementos such as her pencil written valedictory address, a school primer, report cards and family photographs as well as a flower-adorned cake and a punch bowl.

Mrs. Panter's significance to her community was highlighted as Alba Mayor Orvin Carroll read a proclamation declaring Aug. 29, 2013 as Hazel Poston Panter Day in Alba. Carroll said he had known Mrs. Panter since he had moved to Alba.

The proclamation reading came after First Baptist Church Pastor Kelly Burton spoke about Mrs. Panter, and then offered a prayer. Burton read from the fourth chapter of James from the Bible which speaks of life being like a vapor, saying that Mrs. Panter has made the most of every day she has lived.

Mrs. Panter then stood, leaning on her cane, as her pastor spoke. When he finished, she did not hesitate to thank those who joined her in the celebration.

"I'm so glad to see everyone here. I can't tell you how I feel. It's impossible. I want to see this crowd again," she said. "Maybe all together, that would be good."

Accepting an invitation to sit down on a nearby quilt-draped rocker, she sat and spoke with family and friends. In between visiting with her guests, she said she has "lived day by day for 100 years." She is also grateful to have friends who live near her and in surrounding communities.

Mrs. Panter was a charter member of the garden club in Emory and taught Sunday school for 70 years at the First Baptist Church of Alba for everyone from beginners up to adults.

She was the daughter of Flossie and Webb Poston, who were farmers. In 1933 she married Andrew Panter and they had four children: Betty Gail Hayes and Marianna Plumber, who were both in attendance, and Don and Joe Webb. Don is now deceased. She has 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.