It isn't every day we get to spend the afternoon with a centenarian. Such was the case, yesterday, when we got to visit with Gladys Brooks Boroughs, who turned 100 on December 28th. Mrs. Boroughs was born in 1922 in Cleveland County, NC, the middle child with six older and six younger siblings. A child of the depression, her family lost two farms, and more, yet somehow managed to provide a college education to many of their children. Mrs. Boroughs graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and her college class at Gardner-Webb. She majored in English and was hired by the FBI to edit documents during World War II, serving under the FBI Director J.Edgar Hoover. It was in Washington, D.C. where she met the love of her life, Lewis Boroughs, also a North Carolinian- from Seagrove. The Boroughs relocated to Greensboro when Mr. Boroughs joined Burlington Industries as a lawyer, back when the corporation was thriving. Mrs. Boroughs took her job as mother and corporate wife seriously, managing the household while her husband was living many weeks, Monday-Friday, in New York City.
Mrs. Boroughs was known for her involvement at the First Baptist Church of Greensboro, her commitment to her children, and for civic engagement. In the church, she held about every position imaginable from deacon chair, to serving on the Women's Missionary Union to Sunday school teacher, and chairing just about every committee (at least once) through the decades. She was also a devoted member of The General Federation of Women't Clubs (GWFC) and founding member of Sedgefield Woman's Club. In 1987, she became the North Carolina State President of GWFC. When her husband retired, the dynamic duo traveled the world, often in the capacity of serving a Baptist mission. Mrs. Boroughs told us about some special trips to Chile, the Orient, and the Holy Land. Mrs. Boroughs is a talented wood carver, with a special interest in carving birds. Throughout her younger years, she was constantly creating something with her hands; quilting, tatting, crocheting, and knitting were special skills. She is also quite talented musically, able to play anything on the piano, learning by ear- never having had lessons. She comes by her musical talent honestly. Her mother was a Scruggs and her nephew was renowned banjo player, Earl Scruggs.
Today, we have shared only a few of Mrs. Boroughs's accomplishments during her 100 years. Her daughter, Elaine Boroughs McRae, emphasizes that her mother is a lifelong learner, living every day to the fullest. As an example, Mrs. Boroughs and her dear friend Maida Green Scruggs (married to Earl Scruggs's brother Horace) are planning a Zoom call so they can catch up and reminisce. About her mother, daughter Elaine says, "A finer role model I couldn't have! Her wit and wisdom continue and I'm so blessed to call this saint, 'Mom.' Happy 100th to my best friend of all times! I love you, Mom." What a great relationship that much be and testimony to a life well lived. In the above photo, the warm smile, twinkling eyes, and happy-birthday hairband provide great insight into Mrs. Boroughs's endearing personality.
She's led quite a life.
Posted by: William Kendall | Friday, December 30, 2022 at 07:56 AM