By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NEWPORT - Living for more than a century meant Lora Mockbee endured her fair share of struggles.

She survived the Great Depression and the Flood of 1937, which sent the family furniture floating down the Licking River.

Her family said her deep religious beliefs got her through the tough times, and gave her the optimism to live to 102.

"She was a dedicated Christian lady. She read four chapters of the Bible every night," said Donna Mockbee of Newport.

Lora Mockbee died Saturday at her Newport home.

"When anyone asked her how she lived so long, she liked to joke, 'I never smoked a cigarette, I never tasted alcohol and I never married,'" said her nephew Calvin Mockbee of Newport.

Newport residents might know Lora Mockbee better as the "Egg Lady."

For more than 20 years, she sold eggs - at first raising chickens in her backyard and selling their eggs to neighbors.

Eventually, when her business expanded to include Campbell, Kenton and Boone counties, she started traveling to Dillsboro, Ind., each week, filling up crates of eggs to take home to sell.

Born in Pendleton County, Lora Mockbee grew up in Aurora, Ind., where she quit school to cook for the family on the farm. The Mockbees moved to Newport about 1921, renting out rooms to boarders for $1 a week.

"In the 1937 flood, they had to get in boats and float into the second-floor window to get some of their belongings," said her nephew.

On her 100th birthday, Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli proclaimed March 25th "Lora Mockbee Day."

She is survived by nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10 a.m. today at Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, 835 York St., Newport. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com