Friends, family, and former students gathered on Feb. 8 to celebrate a remarkable milestone in Georgia Branham Damron’s life—her 100th birthday. Known for her decades-long commitment to education and unwavering faith, Damron’s impact on her community has been profound.
A Life Dedicated to Education
Damron’s journey as an educator began at just 18 years old. With only two years of college under her belt, she earned a provisional elementary teaching certificate and stepped into the classroom. It was a different era then, one where teachers could begin their careers with less formal training.
“I taught my first school when I was 18,” she recalled. “Back then, you could teach with a provisional certificate, but later, they required four years of college. So I went back, got my degree, and then earned my master’s at Eastern (Kentucky University).”
Her career spanned over 30 years, teaching multiple grade levels in one-room and two-room schoolhouses before moving to Robinson Creek School. Even after retiring, she continued to substitute teach, remaining a familiar face in classrooms long after her official tenure ended.
Leaving a Lasting Impact
The influence Damron had on her students was evident at her birthday celebration. Many of them, now adults, still recall her as their favorite teacher.
“She’s the reason I chose my career,” said her granddaughter, Candi Roberts, who followed in Damron’s footsteps to become a teacher. “We’d go into stores, and former students would come up to her and say, ‘You were my favorite teacher.’ One of her students still brings her a Christmas present every year. I thought, ‘I want to influence kids like that one day.’”
Over the years, Damron taught generations of students, leaving an imprint that extended far beyond the classroom.
Faith as a Cornerstone
Beyond education, faith has been a guiding force in Damron’s life. Her great-granddaughter, Morgan Crain, recalled one of her earliest memories of their bond.
“I was probably in kindergarten or younger, and it was Thanksgiving,” Crain said. “Granny took me into her bedroom and told me to read a Bible verse. She said, ‘If you have any questions about any of the words, let me know.’ It was John 3:16. That’s the first time I remember reading the Bible.”
For Damron, sharing her faith is just as important as sharing her knowledge.
“I told some girls yesterday that the first thing you should do is give your heart to the Lord and live a good Christian life,” she said. “Then this morning, I thought, ‘I told those girls that, but I think they were already Christians.’ But then I thought, ‘No, the Lord wanted me to say that, or I wouldn’t have done it.’”
Her family affectionately refers to her as their “prayer warrior.”
“I don’t know how many times I’ve told people, ‘Tell Granny to pray,’” Roberts said.
A Century of Wisdom and Gratitude
When asked how it feels to reach 100, Damron offered a simple but profound response.
“I don’t know yet,” she said. “I just thank the Lord every night before I go to sleep and thank Him for giving me another day.”
Surrounded by five generations of her family, former students, and friends, Georgia Branham Damron’s 100th birthday was more than just a celebration of longevity. It was a tribute to a life dedicated to shaping young minds, strengthening faith, and uplifting those around her.
