Doreatha Gillis-Bishop 'still the boss' at 110

At 110 years old, Doreatha Gillis-Bishop is an  inspiration to her family, friends and community.

The Barnwell resident was born on December 20, 1914. 

On December 20, 2024, she celebrated her 110th birthday surrounded by her family, close friends, and multiple news outlets who were there to document the historic occasion.

"At 110, she's still the boss," said her son, Willie Bishop of Charleston.

The party was held at the El BAB Shrine Club in Barnwell, not far from where she and her husband, the late Blake Bishop Sr., raised their seven children on a farm.

"I did some of everything on the farm except plowing. I didn't plow, but I did everything else," said Doreatha with a smile.

That farm was where the Bishops taught their children the skills and virtues they would need to be loving people and productive members of society.

“My mom taught us to work hard and do right,” said son William Bishop, who lives in Little River.

“We didn’t always get what wanted but we always had what we needed,” said Willie, who learned how to cook, sew and iron from his mother.

Spreading love and kindness are two ideals the Bishop siblings also learned from their mother.

“She taught us to love one another and to treat others as you would have them treat you. If you can help somebody, do it,” said daughter Maryann Frank of Barnwell.

Daughter Anne Fluitt, who lives in Florence, said it doesn’t matter if that kindness is mutual because her mother taught them to “be kind to others who don’t be kind to you.”

Faith is another important component of Doreatha’s life. She raised her family in church.

“She taught us to trust in God. Before we do anything, we should pray about it and ask God for direction,” said Frank.

“The Lord has been so good to her. She knows prayer and she knows scripture,” said friend Allison Jones at Doreatha’s party.

The Bishops raised seven children: Richard, William, Annie Mae "Anne", Blake Jr., Willie Lee, Willie Mae, and Maryann. Richard, Blake Jr., and Willie Mae are deceased. Some of the siblings left for better work in the north, some went to college, and some joined the military. But they all led successful lives, much in part to their mother.

In addition, Doreatha was a mother figure to many in the community, including on Turner Street where she and her husband moved after raising their children.

“I’m part of that village and her legacy. It’s the reason I’m standing before you today honoring her. God is faithful and He is still able,” said Herman Lee Harley.

He read Proverbs 31:10-31 which talks about the wife of noble character.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate,” states verses 29 31.

“She’s my backbone. She supports me and I support her. She’s a shining star in my life,” said Frank.

“I hope to live like that and have my mind like her and be able to get around and do basic things,” said Fluitt.

Doreatha is a true gift to her family, friends and community.