ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University congratulates alumna Johnnie Mae Lee, Class of 1943, upon celebrating her 103rd birthday.

Ms. Lee is the university’s oldest living graduate.

She celebrated her birthday on Tuesday, Sept. 10, with family members, including two fellow Bulldog alumnae, her sister Sarah Garrison, Class of 1955, and her niece Shari Garrison Brown, Class of 1980.

The SC State University National Alumni Association gave her a “forever birthday card” and a doormat from the association’s 2024 National Convention in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Ms. Lee is a native of Anderson, South Carolina, and the first of 11 children of the late Cyrus S. and Mabel Coaxum Lee.

At an early age, she attended Bethel A.M.E. Church in Anderson and was involved in many church and community activities. She received her earliest education at South Fant Street School and later attended Reed Street High School graduating with honors as the salutatorian of her class.

Ms. Lee received a scholarship and attended South Carolina A & M (now SC State University), earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1943. She returned to Anderson as a teacher at Reed Street School for a year.

Later, relocating to New York City, she pursued graduate studies at Teacher’s College at Columbia University and Brooklyn College. She accepted a position with the city’s Department of Health. Later, with a promotion, she transferred to the Department of Finance as a principal Administrative Associate. Ms. Lee retired after 37 years of service with NYC Government.

She has resided in Cambria Heights, New York, for more than 40 years.