Erline Dennis, at 104 years old, has dedicated nearly four decades of her life to teaching. While her formal career ended long ago, her influence continues to resonate among her former students, many of whom are now elderly themselves.
‘Every once in a while, I see someone who I haven’t seen in years,’ Dennis shared. ‘I may have forgotten, but they haven’t. They remember very well.’ Born on July 2, 1920, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Dennis still resides in High Point, the community where she spent much of her teaching career.
The relationships she’s maintained over the years hold great significance for Dennis. She emphasizes the importance of remaining connected, stating, ‘Continuing to be active as much as you can and the [people] that you’re around, that’s the key, I think.’ This commitment to social connections likely contributes to her longevity, supported by research from a decades-long Harvard study that identified social fitness as a crucial element for a happier, longer life.
Dennis’s vitality was evident during her 100th birthday celebration in 2020, where friends, family, and community members organized a drive-by parade to honor her. Local officials, including the mayor and sheriff, attended a reception in her honor. As of 2023, she remains active in her church and is a golden member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, having been part of the organization for over 50 years.
Dennis is known among her friends as a determined individual. Her friend Evelyn Williams characterized her, saying, ‘She was always ready to do what she needed to do.’ Dennis’s life and outlook provide a valuable lesson in the importance of community and staying engaged throughout one’s life.
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