Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
The Allendale community is beaming with pride as we celebrate the 100th birthday of one of our most cherished residents, Swanson Waudell Woods, widow of the late former Allendale town council member, the Honorable Otis Woods.
Mrs. Woods reached this incredible milestone on Thursday, January 1, 2026, making her a true "New Year’s Miracle."
A fixture of the Roosevelt Heights neighborhood for decades, Mrs. Woods is perhaps best known for her unwavering dedication as an educator. She served as a devoted elementary school teacher in the Allendale County School System for over 20 years, shaping the minds and hearts of generations of students who love and admire her.
Even years after their graduation, many former pupils still credit "Mrs. Woods" with instilling in them a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of civic duty.
"Teaching wasn't just a job for Aunt Waudell; it was her calling. To see her reach 100 years of age on New Year's Day was a beautiful start to the year for all of us who know her." said niece Zilla Marlene Heyward.
When asked about her secret to longevity, Mrs. Woods often points to her active involvement with family, quite voice in the community, and the joy she finds in staying connected with loved ones, former students, and neighbors.
