“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact on the lives of their students” (Soloman Ortiz).
One teacher who definitely impacted her students’ lives is Mildred Loper.
At 99 years old, Ms. Loper is still sharp as a tack and is loved and cherished by her former students.
Ms. Loper is a walking history book who experienced all the great time periods that people can only hear about today. She grew up in Forest, MS, with four sisters and two brothers. She remembers the times where she and some friends could go out and walk to different places at night without any fear of danger.
“We used to walk to the picture shows,” reminisced Ms. Loper. “We didn’t have movies. We had picture shows.”
She went to school during the Great Depression, and she always knew she would be going to college. At this time, many fathers did not see the value in a girl attending school past the eighth grade.
She has always had a passion for education and grew up in a house full of educators. Her father was the county superintendent of education at one point and believed in girls furthering their education. One of her sisters who she greatly admired became a teacher, and that helped inspire her to become a teacher as well.
After attending The W for four years, Ms. Loper began her teaching career. She taught for one year in the quaint town of Ethel, MS. Then, in 1942, Ms. Elaine Slay contacted her and notified her that there was an opening for an American History teacher at Quitman High School. When the U.S. joined WWII, the man who had been teaching American History went into the service, leaving the perfect job opportunity for Ms. Loper.
“I always felt that we had strong leadership in our school at that time,” recalled Ms. Loper. “We were a small school compared to others. We prepared our students well for the future.”
Ms. Loper did more than just teach American History while she was in the classroom. She taught her students different life values to help them succeed in life. One of her responsibilities was to be over the senior class. She had the privilege of being in charge of the graduation festivities and helping to chaperone the senior trips, mainly to Washington D.C.
“I certainly enjoyed my teaching,” stated Ms. Loper.
Ms. Loper enjoyed her time at Quitman so much that she didn’t retire until 1982. During her 40 years at Quitman High School, she had twice been voted as teacher of the year. In fact, she would consider her teaching career as her greatest accomplishment.
“The number of years I taught and association I had with parents and students was excellent,” stated Ms. Loper.
Outside of her teaching career, Ms. Loper has always been passionate about civic services and organizations. Her kind, giving nature has led her to be a part of multiple civic organizations over the years.
“I always belonged to civic organizations: The Women’s Club, Chamber of Commerce, Clarke County Historical Association, and other things like that,” said Ms. Loper.
As a Christian, Ms. Loper loves to attend church and had joined First Baptist Church in Quitman as soon as she moved here. Over the years, she has participated in most of the activities at the church. For years, she taught a Sunday school class, starting off with the youth and eventually teaching those her own age. She made sure to sing in the Mature Notes Choir whenever they had it. Ms. Loper would even take some other church members to church with her, since she drove her car until 2019.
In April 2019, Ms. Loper made her big move to Wisteria Manor, where she still feels the love and visits from her former students.
“I’ve been blessed since I’ve been out at Wisteria with visits, flowers, cards, and telephone calls from former students,” stated Ms. Loper. “I feel very humbled to have so many of them keeping in touch with me as I moved out here.”
Her students really do love her, and she has definitely kept in touch with them over the years. Since she has retired, she has only missed attending one or two class reunions for the students she has taught, and she would like to go to one or two more if possible.
The best description of the impact Ms. Loper has had on the lives of those around her is best said by her former students.
“She was our teacher, and we loved and respected her very much. To see how God has blessed her all these years is an inspiration,” said Jerrye McRee.
After living such a long and satisfactory life, Ms. Loper offers the best advice she can give.
“Find your way to Jesus, and that would solve everything in your life. Be civic-minded. I believe in people doing something to benefit the whole community. Find work that you love to do, not just like to do,” advised Ms. Loper. “Finding your savior and then finding the job you love is the best advice I can give.”
