GIFFORD — Lenora Williams danced down a soul train line Thursday at a youth center as residents and family gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday just a few days away.
Williams, wearing a purple and pink flower-patterned dress, said she didn’t know the secret to longevity. She will become a centenarian on Sunday, family members said.
“I can’t explain why I’ve lived so long,” Williams said. “I (believe) it has to do with living a Christian life and treating people right.”
Lenora Williams
PHOTO PROVIDED BY WILLIAMS’ FAMILY
Nearly 30 family members, friends and community residents showed their love for Williams at a celebration for her at 10 a.m. Thursday at Gifford Youth Achievement Center. Williams was tearful as she thanked everyone for coming.
Then, in a voice wavering with spirit and emotion, Williams led the audience in singing the gospel song ‘Lord, I Know You’ve Been So Good.’
“I know God has been with me,” Williams said. “Gifford is the best place in the world for me.”
Williams – born in 1919 – was an employee for many years of Vero’s first doctor, Dr. John P. Gifford, and his family. Williams’ community impact led others to see her as a staple in the neighborhood, residents said.
“She’s a beautiful soul in and out,” GYAC Executive Director Angelia Perry said. “She considers all of us at GYAC her family.”
Friends and family form a soul train line for the 100th birthday of Lenora Williams at GYAC. #VeroNews pic.twitter.com/ErC63tb26T
— Nicholas Samuel (@JournalistNickS) December 19, 2019
Tuesday, the Indian River County Commission dedicated a proclamation to Williams.
“It was an honor and privilege to present her with the proclamation. She has contributed so much to our fellow citizens in the community,” county Commissioner Joe Flescher said. “She’s a unique, caring and excellent individual who is always interested in the quality of life of all citizens.”
Williams has lived through several wars and 18 U.S. presidents, including former and first African-American President Barack Obama. Community member Shirley Riley, of Riley Arts, gave Williams a drawing of Obama at the birthday gathering.
Williams also has pictures of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former President John F. Kennedy and former U.S. Attorney General and former senator Robert Kennedy.
Longevity runs in the family. Williams’ older sister and only living sibling, 101-year-old Frances Roman, lives in Detroit, Michigan, family members said.
Community involvement
Church had become like a second home to Williams, known to many as ‘grandma’ and ‘Aunt Nora.’
Lenora Williams
PHOTO PROVIDED BY WILLIAMS’ FAMILY
Williams, who is the 10th out of 11 siblings, said she and her family attended church every Sunday. That tradition continued for Williams when she moved from north Florida to Gifford in the 1940s.
Williams was an usher, secretary and choir member at her churches. In February 1940, she married her late husband, Charlie Williams, who had a long-time career in the citrus grove industry.
“I didn’t want to stay home. (Church) was my place to go,” Williams said. “I loved going to church. I believe in going to work everyday throughout the week and going to church on Sunday to serve the Lord and pray for the world.”
Williams was a secretary for New Bethel AME Church for 50 years and also part of the missionary society. She said her favorite gospel song is ‘Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John.’
Williams was president of the PTA of Gifford High School, which is now Gifford Middle School, family members said. Relatives said Williams was also a member of the Most Ancient Union Grand Court Heroines of Jericho.
Williams was also a member of Gifford Progressive League. To stay in shape, Williams attends weekly senior exercise classes at GYAC, Perry said.
100 years loved
Family members reflected on Williams’ strong work ethic and sweet personality.
Williams’ granddaughter, Debbie Williams, 63, Detroit, said Williams helped to raise her. Debbie Williams said her grandmother would usually read the Bible and loved to write.
“It’s a blessing to have her here with us,” Debbie Williams said. “I truly love her.”
During the celebration, Riley presented Williams with a happy birthday sign that had signatures in the shape of a heart from friends and family. The sign read, ‘Happy Birthday and congratulations on the celebration of 100 years loved. We love you!’
Williams has two daughters, Ollie Houston, who died in 2006, and Mary Lee Ghee, who lives in Detroit, family members said. Two of Williams’ nieces, Mary McKinney and Gloria Willis, were at the birthday celebration.
McKinney works with the Sunday reading program at GYAC. Williams has a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Some family members in Detroit were expected to travel to Florida for more celebrations commemorating Williams’ 100 birthday. A second birthday gathering will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gifford Community Center, followed by a celebration Sunday at New Bethel AME Church.
“I thank you all for everything,” Williams said. “You all are in my prayers.”
