Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Tuesday, January 30, marked the 104th birthday for Thelma Jackson. Along with family and friends, she celebrated her big day at the Manderley Health Care Center, where she now makes her home.

The long-time Versailles resident has been a member of the Versailles First Baptist Church for many years and sang in the choir right up until she moved to Osgood. “She was active way up into her 90’s,” noted Mary Margaret Moorhead, who has attended church with Jackson for many years.

As the ladies gathered for a special birthday dinner in honor of Jackson on Tuesday, they shared fond memories and food to mark her special year. A bouquet of yellow roses adorned the table and the guest of honor didn’t look a day over 80!

“Once she (Jackson) was given a prayer blanket,” remembered Moorhead, who said when the ladies placed it around her shoulders and asked to take her picture, she said, “I don’t want to look like an old lady!”

Still active at the health care center where she makes her home, Jackson participates in the activities and can still “dance a jig.”

Her daughter, Linda S. Hayes, and other family members visited Jackson on Sunday. “We had a really good time,” noted Linda, who said her mother still has an active mind and is very alert. Along with Hayes, other family members who celebrated with her included her granddaughter Tonya and husband Bill Morris and great granddaughter, Brogan Morris, all of Fairfield, Oh.; grandson Paul (Tony) Mett and wife Rae Jean, with great granddaughters Haeley and Olivia Mett, all of Germantown, Oh.

Those wanting to wish Jackson a happy birthday may still do so by sending a card to the Manderley Health Care Center, 806 S. Buckeye, Osgood, IN 47037.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO Pictured seated from left are: Geneva Kennedy, the guest of honor, Thelma Jackson, Elizabeth Jackson Raney (a relative); standing from left: Mary Margaret Moorhead, Helen Peck, Norma Brandes, Belvadean Strimple, Patty Jackson Stutler (a relative) and Marge Olds. The group enjoyed celebrating the big day with Jackson.