Eula M. Cousins, 110, pioneering black social worker and educator

Eula M. Cousins, 110, a pioneering black social worker and educator who lived to be one of the oldest Americans, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Cathedral Village retirement community in Philadelphia's Andorra section.

Despite her age, Mrs. Cousins, an avid reader, remained sharp-minded and quick-witted, able to discuss any contemporary issue in detail.

"She was one of the most dynamic individuals I have ever met," said Acel Moore, associate editor emeritus of The Inquirer, who was a longtime friend. "She could engage me on any political issue of the day."

In September, Mrs. Cousins marked her 110th birthday at a party with about 120 guests at Cathedral Village.

On that occasion, she received a letter from President Obama and his wife, Michelle, and U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah paid her a visit.

"Oh, my goodness, it takes my breath away," she told an Inquirer reporter.

One of the highlights of her life was seeing the election of an African American as president of the United States, relatives and friends said.

In September, according to the Gerontology Research Group at the University of California, Los Angeles, which tracks "supercentenarians" - people 110 and older - there were only 70 people in the world in that category whose identities and ages had been verified.

Mrs. Cousins attributed her longevity to love.

"My family was Christian, and they were loving, and they loved me. I was brought up in an atmosphere of love within the home. There was no friction, fighting, loud talk, or drinking," she told The Inquirer.

Eula Mae Taylor was born on Sept. 14, 1902, the daughter of John and Mary Jane Taylor, in Elizabeth City, N.C.

Before coming to Philadelphia in 1929, she was a teacher in North Carolina. She was a graduate of Virginia Union College.

She had planned to continue teaching in Philadelphia but, because she was African American, she was not allowed to do so, Moore and others said.

Mrs. Cousins then studied at Temple University before becoming a social worker. She worked for Municipal Court and other agencies for 55 years.

She married William Montgomery Cousins, one of the city's first black optometrists, in 1935. They were married for 44 years until his death. The couple maintained a home and rose garden on Spring Garden Street in West Philadelphia.

She was a member of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and volunteered for the NAACP, the YWCA, the YMCA, and other service organizations. Mrs. Cousins traveled to France, Italy, Belgium, and Israel.

"Eula Cousins was a woman far ahead of her time," said her nephew Steven Cousins. "She did not have a narrow view of things. She always saw the big picture."

His wife, Van, said Mrs. Cousins had an extensive collection of family photographs that she would use to discuss history with her relatives and friends.

The Rev. G. Daniel Jones, pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, which Mrs. Cousins attended for 25 years, said he and his congregation "were impressed by her poise, her graciousness, her wit, her organizational skills, and her charm."

He said that she kept abreast of current issues and read several books every week.

"She was always for enrichment, even at 110. I marveled at her quest for learning."

He said her career, in social work and education, and her volunteer efforts were always about helping people.

"Her interest has always been in the empowerment of others," Jones said. "She was always a role model and motivator."

In addition to her nephew and niece, she is survived by a great-niece and a great-nephew.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, 25 W. Johnson St.