Born in a simpler time, one Jackson resident celebrates 100 years of life today.

"I've been here a long time," laughs Eunice Allen from the comfort of her recliner at her home in Jackson.

When asked what her secret to long life has been over the years, she smiles and with a glimmer in her eyes, said, "It's a secret. I just worked hard all my life. Hard work won't kill you."

Allen was born on a farm in Saluda County on Nov. 27, 1909. Some of her earliest memories involve working on the family farm. She often took water to the cotton and corn fields as well as tended to the chickens.

"I went to work as soon as I was old enough," said Allen.

Her family moved to Bath when she was 12 years old, and she has been a resident of Aiken County ever since. Her father worked in the Bath Mill, and, at the age of 14, she also went to work in the mill as a weaver. It was at the mill she met the love of her life, Otis H. Allen, with whom she had one son. She was married at the Aiken County Courthouse at the age of 18.

Allen remembers shopping on Main Street in downtown Aiken. Among her favorite stores were a dress shop and a dime store. She also enjoyed attending movies and is still a fan of John Wayne and Clark Gable. She admits the best movie she ever saw in a theater was "Gone with the Wind."

Allen worked at the mill for 30 years before leaving to care for her two young granddaughters. Her husband retired from the mill. The Allens moved to Jackson from Bath nearly 50 years ago.

"Papa bought land here so he could farm," said Allen.

Over the past 100 years, the happiest memories for Allen are closely tied to the birth of her son, Otis Chester Allen. Another day stands out in her mind, as well.

"The memory I think of most is when me and my (younger) brother went to the carnival (in Augusta)," said Allen with a laugh. "I got on a ride, and I got scared half to death. My brother said he wouldn't go with me anymore because I didn't ride long enough."

Allen has been a member of Matlock Baptist Church in Jackson for more than 51 years. For nearly 20 years, she could be found every Sunday and Wednesday evening in the nursery caring for the children. Church has always been a major part of Allen's life.

"He's taken care of me this long, he's not going to leave me now," she said.

For the next 100 years, Allen plans "to do most anything I can do, I will try."

Allen and her family are celebrating Thanksgiving today, a day late but in honor of Allen.

"We are so thankful to have her we thought we would celebrate Thanksgiving that day," said Allen's granddaughter Cathy Dockal.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.