Claude Lyerly, who many remember as “Mr. Fifty-Fifty” from his years as owner/ operator of Salisbury’s Fifty-Fifty Grocery store, celebrated his 102nd birthday Nov. 4 at Autumn Care, a long-term care nursing and rehab facility.
Surrounded by friends and family, Lyerly was all smiles as other residents lined up to shake his hand and wish him well.
Many tried to learn his secret to long life, but Lyerly just smiled and said “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
Then Lyerly, who gave up fried foods 32 years ago , due to gallbladder problems,, laughed and said, “There really is no secret.”
Lyerly was active for many years in the Granite Quarry Civitans.
A number of fellow Civitans were among the guests, including past president Robert Fisher.
“Claude has been a member of our organization for over 68 years,” Fisher said. “He is the only charter member we have left.
“He has a great work ethic and we all respect the advice he gives.”

The Granite Quarry high School Class of 1947 met for its 66th reunion at Ryan’s on Nov. 9.
Ten of the original 35 class members were in attendance. Fifteen individuals, including spouses and guests, heard a report from class members who were unable to attend.
Arlene Basinger Haynes gave the blessing before the buffet meal and Mary Barringer Fisher gave a memorial for a deceased class member.
Since the class reunion in 2012, the class has lost one member, Johnny Joe Jones. A red rose and white candle were placed on a table in his memory.
Out-of-town attendees were Max and Arlene Fulk Webb of Madison.
Local attendees included Mary Barringer Fisher and husband Cecil, Arlene Basinger Hayes and husband Howard, Betty Madures Lingle and daughter Betty Duncan, Arnold Peeler, Ruby Ritchie Green, Bob Rogers and wife Helen, LaVerne Shaw McKinney and husband PH and Tommy Webb.
Next year the class reunion will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8.

More than 150 women gathered at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church on Nov. 1 to celebrate World Community Day.
This year’s theme was “ Walking Through Doors of Opportunity.”
Nine different denominations were represented.
Speakers included Brenda Venning; Jean Lowery, chair of the celebration; Gwen Ellis, unit chaplain; Maggie Reed; pastor of Gethsemane, the Rev. C.L. Phelps; unit president, Lynn Bolick; and Jean Kennedy.
Genny Reed, leader of the Wellspring Bible Study, was the featured speaker with the topic, “Breaking Open the Word.”
Tonya Cornelius, unit treasurer; and Montrella Davis, Ecumenical Celebrations chair, also participated in the event.
The Attendance Banner was awarded to Jerusalem Missionary Baptist church.
President Bolick presided over the business meeting as officers for 2014-2015 were elected.
The following new officers will be installed during the annual meeting in January:
• Ecumenical Celebrations chair — Mavis Moss;
• Prayer Breakfast chair — Barbara Barbour;
• May Friendship Day chair — Jean Little;
• Finance chair — Montrella Davis.
Continuing in office will be:
• Young Church Women chair — Cynthia Stoner;
Wellspring Bible study — Genny Reed;
• Telephone committee — Virginia Booth.
The meeting was closed with a benediction led by Delene Gudger.