The memories spanning decades of care dominated the conversation at the birthday party for three women who reached the milestone of living an entire century, or a few years beyond that. Family and friends filled the dining room at Marianna Health and Rehabilitation Wednesday, where the three honorees now live.
Lou Clark is 102. Family members recall the time she gave away her only winter coat when she encountered a woman who was cold and didn’t have one. The fact that Clark literally gave the clothes off her back was nothing new for her; family members say it’s in her nature to give her last penny to someone in need.
Alknese Ming is 100. Mouths still water when her family remembers the countless biscuits she made from scratch as bacon sizzled on the stove. She performed this breakfast ritual thousands of times for her family, and the family of youngsters she considered her own starting when she was their nanny and continuing all through their adult lives.
The biscuits she whipped up with a deft one-handed action were not much bigger than silver dollars, but they were little discs of ambrosia served with a side of syrup, butter, and bacon, always served with the rind on. Her home was always Christmas central for the family, and she started preparing for the holiday feast two weeks ahead of time.
Wessie Watford is 103. A few pieces of her needlework were displayed on a table at the party. The deep blue bird of paradise and the vases bursting with blooms, expertly rendered with enviable precision, were all completed in her 80s and 90s. There are many more pieces scattered throughout the homes of Watford’s loved ones, along with the baby blankets she crocheted for each child born through the generations. She’s currently working on some scarves for friends and loved ones.
Despite her busy 30-plus years as a school teacher in places like Greenwood, Alford, Dellwood, Golson Elementary in Marianna and elsewhere, Watford always made time to create hand-crafted heirlooms for family.
And another centenarian marked a milestone recently. On May 29, Nova Gatch turned 104. She had a party at Marianna Health and Rehabilitation last month. Born in Texas, she was married in 1924 to Henry Grady Gatch. She volunteered as a hospital pink lady for many years, providing comfort to patients and their families, and helping in other ways.
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