Steve's Journal
I will continue interviewing, talking to and corresponding with Centenarians across America. As we uncover these "Nuggets" of Wisdom, Wit and Advice, they will be posted on my blog. Enjoy, Live Long and Grow Wise.
Dr. Leila Denmark
It is with great emotion that I am making this post. The truly inspirational and caring SuperCentenarian Dr. Leila Denmark passed away on April 1, 2012. She was a remarkable 114 years old. She helped and cared for so many people over her impressive medical career. She was a practicing pediatrician until she retired at age 103. When I met her for the first time a few years ago, she was so vibrant and engaged life to the fullest. She has been in the press quite a bit the last few days. I encourage you to read about her amazing contributions to medicine and how impactful she was to many generations of families in the Atlanta area who can proudly say she was their doctor. I will always remember all the wisdom and stories she shared with me. Please visit the Centenarian Spotlight section of this website and scroll down a little to see a very small portion of my interview with her. You too will see why she touched so many lives.
God Bless you Leila!
SuperCentenarian Dr. Leila Denmark Turned 114
Our lovely Dr. Leila Denmark turned 114 on February 1st. I called Leila to wish her a happy birthday and spoke with her devoted daughter Mary. She said Leila is doing well and enjoyed her low key celebration. Leila received numerous phone calls from all over to wish her a wonderful birthday including a special call from Robert Young of Guinness World Records.
She has a grateful attitude of life and fond memories of the thousands of children she has treated throughout her incredible career. She is a true icon and national treasure. I have been so fortunate to have met and interviewed this incredibly special SuperCentenarian twice. Happy Birthday Leila!!
Lois Jones will Always be Remembered as Our Lovely 'Daffodil'
Our incredibly lovely ‘daffodil’ Lois Jones passed away September 10, 2011, at 107 ½ years of age. What an extraordinary Centenarian! When I first met Lois a few years ago when she was 103, I was amazed she quoted an entire poem to me. Be sure to go to the video gallery in the ‘odds and ends’ section to see her recite her ‘Daffodil’ poem.
Lois lived life to the fullest. She studied art and became an artist for Walt Disney. She loved the theater and volunteered for the Red Cross.
I was fortunate to visit her again this past summer. She was still as sweet as ever with a sparkle in her eye and a keen sense of humor.
Lois will surely be missed by all.
God Bless You Lois Jones!!
Centenarian Helen Hannah Visit
Friday before Labor Day was a special one for me! It was my pleasure and pure enjoyment to have lunch with my 101 year young Centenarian girlfriend Helen Hannah and her beautiful daughter Archer. We celebrated Archer's birthday (she looks 40- I don't ask women under 100 their real age!) with a delicious lunch and birthday cupcakes for each of us. Helen was charming and chatty and still plays bridge once a week with her youngster girlfriends. She still lives in her classic Atlanta home, reads voraciously, and loves to sip black coffee on her lovely screen porch looking out on her manicured front lawn.
I asked her what is one of the greatest things about living to 101? She immediately replied with a smile and glow on her face, "Having four wonderful daughters that take such great care of me, and enjoying their children throughout the year." Obviously Helen has been an exemplary role model of love, mothering and work for her extended family.
Helen Hannah is a gracious, generous, Southern 'steel magnolia' that has enriched the lives of so many people for over a Century. My life is richer and larger for having received her wisdom, wit and advice about living life to the fullest. Thank you Helen!
The Guinness Book of World Records World's Oldest Person has turned 115!
Ms. Besse Cooper is 115!!!! I was so blessed to help Besse celebrate this incredible birthday. She looked fantastic. She inspires me everyday to keep shooting for my goal of living to 120. Also attending in Monroe, GA was Guinness World Records representative Robert Young who presented her with a certificate honoring her World's Oldest Person status for the second time. Besse's family and friends who were in attendance were smiling with pride. What a great day for them and for Ms. Besse. I told her what an inspiration she is for me and so many Centenarian 'wannabes'. She is a beautiful person and extraordinary SuperCentenarian.
