Mary Effa Savage Mizelle turns 97 on Sept. 14.

The daughter of the late Cornelius Savage Sr. and Hattie Ann Piland Savage, Mizelle credits her parents with raising her with a love for others and an integrity of self. Her father served as a deacon at Bethlehem Christian Church, and her parents instilled in her both the love of God and the love God has for mankind.

Mizelle graduated as valedictorian from Chuckatuck High School in 1934 and later married her husband, Roy Cecil Mizelle.

Together they raised two children, Robert and Betty, enjoyed six grandchildren, and now dote on 12 great-grandchildren. She worked at Obici Hospital for many years and retired as the assistant director of environmental services.

She was a teacher of children’s Sunday school at Bethlehem Christian. She served for 50 years as a member of both the Bethlehem Women’s Fellowship and the King’s Fork Women’s Club.

Asked what she is most proud of, Mizelle lists her family and her work for the Lord.

Mizelle misses her husband, but until they meet again, she is content sharing life with her dearest of friends, family and the employees of Hillcrest Retirement Center.