LELLA HARRIS STRIPLING More than 250 friends and relatives gathered at the Fellowship Building of the Church of Christ in Bullard to celebrate Lella Harris Stripling’s 100th birthday and to honor her late twin, Ella Harris Keele (they enjoyed 99 years, 9 months, and 10 days together).

The Harris twins were born at Peachtree Village in Tyler County to William R. and Laura Ella Hughes Harris Oct. 31, 1909. Homer Harris is the only surviving sibling, and he will be 95 Nov. 25.

Deceased siblings are Leila Harris Richardson, M.H. Harris, and Elmer Harris. Lella Harris grew up near Teaselville and the Nebo communities west of Bullard. She graduated from Bullard High School in 1928 and has always been loyal to her school. She has attended many athletic events and activities with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and, now, great-great grandchildren.

She married Fred Stripling Sept. 3, 1929. Their children were Peggy Ruth Stripling Edwards, Fredda Merle Stripling DuPree and Don Harris Stripling. Peggy and Don are deceased. Lella and Fred Stripling farmed and operated grocery stores in Teaselville and Bullard. They were married almost 65 years when Fred died in July 1994.

Lella is an active member of the Bullard Church of Christ. She has also enjoyed working with the Bullard Cemetery Association since 1964.