A  year ago a lady named Irene Woosley was honored with a birthday party celebrating the fact she was turning 100 years old.

She sat, greeted and talked to each visitor who came that day. Even though she was not feeling well, she hung tough until the party was over.

I could tell she was happy to see each person who came. Her smile belied the fact she was sick that day.

Soon after her party, she was admitted to the hospital for several days. It took quite a while for her to recuperate and it was doubtful at that time Irene would make it for another birthday.

Irene is a tough lady.

I have known Irene Woosley for 69 of my 71 years.

She went to the same Kiddville Baptist Church my family did.

She and her husband Elmer owned and ran the Kiddville Grocery store, which was much like the courthouse is to Winchester.

If any one wanted to know what was happening in our community, it was found out at the church on Sunday or at the grocery store during the week.

You learned who was sick, new in the community or even why someone missed church. If there was a death in the community, it was told at the store and passed through the community.

On Saturday, my friend Margaret Trusty and I attended Irene’s 101st birthday party along with dear friends, her son Donnie Ray, his wife Julie and their son. Her oldest son, Jim Bob was recuperating from surgery and unable to attend or I am sure he and his wife, Julie would have been there also.

Irene’s mind has not failed her these 101 years. She is still sharp.

I was amazed as Irene recalled something that happened 69 years ago. She told how she and Margaret’s mother got in trouble at church one Sunday. She and Beulah Ware were singing in the choir one Easter Sunday morning and Margaret had wanted to go in the choir with her Momma.

Dressed really cute for Easter, Beulah Clay Ware did not think it would be a problem for her to be up there with her.

According to Irene, Margaret Karen carried a little purse that day and during the choir’s special number she pulled out a little compact and lipstick and was mimicking putting on makeup.

Irene and Beulah Clay looked over and saw Margaret and burst out laughing and missed their place to come in. It did not sit too well with the pastor, Brother Hamilton, at the time. It did make for a good memory on her 101st birthday.

Her memory is remarkable and Margaret and I were happy to be a part of her birthday.

Thank you for all the memories all these years, Irene.

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in her church, First United Methodist Church, and her homemakers group, Towne and Country Homemakers.