Rose Ella "Sudie" Dukes Cooper Bright will be 100 years old in just two weeks' time.
She's already celebrated the momentous occasion with family members and friends, many of whom traveled from throughout the United States to attend a gathering in her name and celebration of her life.
Throughout her 100 years, Sudie has seen personal triumphs and tragedies. At a young age, she suffered the loss of an older brother, Eugene Dukes, who drowned at the age of 17. She attended Clarendon County public schools, but after her family relocated to Gourdine, she finished at Williamsburg County schools.
But she was only able to continue her education as long as her family could afford the cost.
Bright has fond memories of her school days and boasted how good of a student she was, both academically and athletically. At home, she enjoyed riding her bike, but she said that one of her fondest memories was playing basketball. During her basketball days, she earned the label from locals as being “very good at basketball and maybe the best in the country," she said.
Even today, as she reminisces about her competitive basketball days, she holds fond memories of her days of playing basketball against local schools. The memories, she said, remain a joy that enlivens her and lifts her spirits.
At a young age, she joined Wilson United Methodist Church and served as a member of the choir there. Today, although she is no longer able to attend services, she remains a member there. She said her "commitment to God is ever-strong.”
First married to Pencile Cooper, and later to Moses Bright, she is the mother of eight children. They include Cora Ellen Cooper Moore, Margaret Bright Reid, Blanche Bright McFadden, Helen Bright Belcher, Josephine Bright Whack, Elijah Bright, Wendell Bright and Dorthenia Bright Williams.
Today, Sudie is a grandmother to 17 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
The centenarian is a dedicated mother and taught what she knew while raising her children.
“I encouraged my children to work hard, be generous, do right by people and be respectful of yourself and others,” she said. “I taught them to never give up and always lean on the Lord because God will never fail you.”
Like many black women of her era, Bright worked in the fields and in the homes of white people as a housekeeper and laundress. Later in life, from the ages of 60 to 70, she worked for the Williamsburg County Senior Citizens Agency.
Today, she is well known in her community as a "friend to many," family members said.
She said that she enjoyed the beauty of her front yard, and her community admired her flower garden for years. She said she has always appreciated people complimenting her on her hard work.
Teressa Moore Griffin is the oldest grandchild of Bright and a native of Greeleyville. She currently lives in New Jersey, and was one of many of Bright's grandchildren to attend a celebration in the woman's honor held May 21.
“Growing up, my grandmother made the best jelly cakes and nut-cakes, so visiting her was exciting,” she said. “She was famous for her cakes among all her children and grandchildren. We all remember her as being very quick to offer correction. She was a strict parent."
Griffin said it wasn't until she was older that she discovered her grandmother was "a funny lady."
"She was very quick-witted, and I remember that she would say something funny and she would crack herself up for hours," said Griffin. “Grandma grew up in a place when life was emotionally and economically difficult, so it was tough to feed and clothe eight children in those days, and she struggled. We all have a great appreciation for this lady.”
Bright’s family said that they marvel at her inner strength and spirit. They said it's like that of a “warrior woman.”
And they celebrate the fact that their matriarch is still here.
"We enjoyed celebrating her life," said Griffin. "We know that the legacy she leaves will be honored through her children, grandchildren and those of her lineage."
