LEXINGTON, S.C. — A Lexington woman is celebrating her 100th birthday. Mary Hazelton was born on July 7, 1924.
She dedicated her life to giving back to her community, and on Saturday, that community came together to celebrate her remarkable journey.
“She’s just a staple in our church and a staple in our community and she knew me ever since I was a little kid,” Susan Matthews, a friend of Mary's, said.
Hazelton was born and raised in Lexington. She's worked tirelessly to serve her community. Her passion is supporting veterans, and she's been an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
"About 82 years, when they first joined the legion I was one of the first members, locally... I served for many years as a music chairman for the department, worked with the department as an officer and we placed flags on the graves for the legion and auxiliary," Hazelton said.
Hazelton said she met the love of her life right here in the Midlands, but their story didn’t start like any love story.
“I worked at a store, and he came into the store, and he said -- and I didn't have a choice but to believe him -- but that it was love at first sight for him, not me," she said. "It developed from there, and he came here locally. He was a member of the band, and they would come to the different churches and play, and he would come to our church and play."
Hazelton also became Miss Lexington, which she said was quite an honor.
“In 1941, and it was a great honor, you would go to different places; you'd be invited and introduced as Miss Lexington,” she said.
Family, friends and members of the Lexington United Methodist Church, which she’s attended for 90 years, gathered to celebrate who they call a Lexington treasure.
"She’s been a wonderful, nice lady, and she's meant so much to, to our church and to our community, and I'm just so proud and glad that she made it to 100 years," Matthews said.
Hazelton said there’s one thing she’s learned over the last century.
"Just give back, give back," she said. "And whenever you can -- whenever you can -- help someone; help someone."