Photos courtesy of Jodie Gee Grace Stevens poses at an event with 2nd Lt. Katherine Jenerette, assistant S-3 for the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command. Stevens, who turned 100 Feb. 24, packed parachutes as a civilian during World War II.

During World War II, many women left their traditional roles as housewives and mothers to fill positions in the manufacturing plants supporting the American war effort. “Rosie the Riveter” was a popular icon of the era, representing the women who became factory workers to support their Families and nation as the men went to war.
Grace Stevens was one of the women who went to work supporting the troops. She worked at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., in 1943, cleaning and packing parachutes for almost two years.

Stevens, who celebrated her 100th birthday Feb. 24, currently lives with her son, Don, and his wife Peggy Grant. Stevens told her daughter-in-law that she enjoyed doing her part for the war effort and being able to meet a lot of people during the course of her duties. She even got to meet Medal of Honor recipient and pilot Gen. Jimmy Doolittle.

“She loved what she did and is proud that she helped the war effort. Back then, she had to do it because all the men who were able to go were off at war. They needed women to help keep things running back home,” said Grant. “After the war was over, they asked her to stay on, but she was ready to go back home to Pennsylvania.”

Second Lt. Katherine Jenerette, assistant S-3 for the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, said Stevens is an inspiration to today’s women serving in the military.

“She’s an American hero,” said Jenerette. “For Ms. Grace looking back, she acts like it was nothing to have been a part in the shaping of our military heritage. I can’t imagine the conditions and the pressure that she was under given the time period.”

Stevens continues to carry the same national pride with her that she exhibited back during World War II.

A staunch Republican, Stevens considered herself Mitt Romney’s biggest fan and went to see him several times while he was campaigning for the presidency in 2008. The South Carolina General Assembly formally recognized her 98th and 100th birthdays, passing a resolution thanking her for her service and recognizing her commitment to her nation.

Jodie Gee, a Family friend, said Stevens hasn’t let the years slow her down.

“We call her ‘Amazing Grace,’” said Gee. “She always says that her longevity is due to God and ice cream … Grace is always cheerful with a positive outlook on life.”

While Stevens never wore a uniform, she stepped up to help the military when she was needed and fulfilled a Family tradition dating back to 1775. Since the Revolutionary War, a member of her Family has served in uniform in every American war. Her father was a Soldier in the Spanish-American War.

Jenerrette said Stevens is just as tough as any paratrooper out there; and if she could have been on jump status, she would have excelled.

“I’m inspired by her attitude that you only get so much time on planet Earth, you might as well make the most of it,” said Jenerrette. “And at 100 years old, she still has that attitude. As a 41-year-old lieutenant, I think of that attitude when things seem tough.”