Submitted by Crystal Herndon
As Nora Stanley, current resident at The Care Center of DeQuincy, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Thursday, Aug. 13, her life stands as a beautiful example of faith, hard work, and devotion to others.
In her younger years, Stanley would walk more than a mile one way to help neighbors in the Lunita community with whatever they needed, then walk all the way back home. She has always believed that helping others has been one of the keys to her long life.
She is one of only two surviving children out of a family of 12 and has lived longer than anyone else in her family.
Even now, she still has a remarkable memory, often remembering the birthdays of children she once went to school with. She lovingly cared for her parents when they became sick and remained by their side until they passed.
Her life has also been marked by deep loss. She has lost two of her three children, as well as one grandson, and continues to grieve them deeply. Yet through it all, she remains thankful and grounded in faith, believing that God still has a purpose for her being here.
At 100 years old, she is still amazed by how quickly time has passed. She treasures memories of the old days, when life was simpler and people made time to visit each other instead of relying on phones. Though the world has changed greatly, her heart remains rooted in the values that shaped her life: love, service, family, and faith.
Although her birthday is on the 13th, the Center and her family have planned a birthday celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. Visitors may come earlier or during the party, she loves to chitchat.
