A 108-year-old woman in Jacksonville shares the sweetest secret about living a long life during her birthday celebration. Her words of wisdom will warm your heart.
We sometimes wonder what makes certain people live so long? We ask ourselves if they have special diets or secret habits. We want to know their formula.
Well, this sweet lady from Jacksonville just gave us the most refreshing answer you’ll ever hear.
A Birthday Party 108 Years in the Making
Eloise Michaels West celebrated her 108th birthday on Sunday, August 10. Her family and friends gathered around her to mark this amazing milestone.
Born on August 10, 1917, she has watched America change in ways most of us can only read about in history books. When she was born, Woodrow Wilson was president and gas cost only 21 cents a gallon.
Eloise came to Jacksonville as a young girl. She went to the old Lavilla School and old Stanton High School. Her faith has stayed strong all these years. She still goes to Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church, where she has worshipped for decades.
She lived in Connecticut for many years but came back to Jacksonville in 2000. She has stayed here ever since.
Eloise is the head of five generations in her family. Her husband Marcellous West served in World War II.
Eloise worked as a custodian for years. She kept driving her car well into her 90s. Her loved ones remember her as someone who loved to cook. She spent countless hours volunteering to help people who needed it.
Many people knew her as an Avon lady. She would greet customers with “Ding dong, Avon’s calling!” She also loved playing bingo.
City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman came to Eloise’s birthday party. She brought a special gift. The city gave Eloise a proclamation that honors her 108 years of life. It celebrates everything she has done and the wisdom she shares.
Eloise Shares Her Secret to Longevity
Everyone wanted to know Eloise’s secret to living so long. Her answer surprised people with its honesty. “It’s no secret,” she said. “I lived the same kind of life you all live. It’s just that the Lord has kept me here long. It’s not that I did such a great thing. No, I made mistakes. I went the wrong way. I had fun. I did the same thing. So that’s part of living.”
Eloise had more wisdom to share about how people should live. “You will have to live your own life,” she said. “I don’t care what I want people to know. Everybody’s got to live their life their way. They can’t imitate nobody. You’re gonna have to stand on your own.”
Eloise shows us that God doesn’t keep us here because we are perfect. He keeps us here because He loves us. She made mistakes just like we do. But through it all, the Lord’s mercy followed her and watched over her.
May her story remind us to lean on His mercy and share His love with those around us.
WATCH: 108-Year-Old Reveals Her Secret to Longevity
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