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Susie Mae Garrett Elmore has joined a very elite club – the 101 Birthday Club.

The birthday “girl” was surrounded by family and friends at a birthday party in her honor at the Colley Senior Complex Monday. They joined Mrs. Elmore in celebrating a long and blessed life.

“Look what God has done,” said Catherine Jordan, senior complex director. “God has blessed you to live a long life. Every day of life is a blessing because we are not promised another day. You have been blessed many times over. Today is a day of great celebration of those 101 years.”

Wanda Moultry, Troy City Council member, congratulated Mrs. Elmore. “God has found favor in you. And you are blessing to us,” she said.

Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves also brought congratulations to Mrs. Elmore who was surrounded by a loving and caring group of people who are more than friends. They are members of the Colley Senior Complex family.

“We are so fortunate to have a facility like this,” Reeves said. “The Colley Senior Complex is an activity center where people come to enjoy the fellowship and friendship of others.”

Reeves presented Mrs. Elmore with a proclamation honoring her for 101 years well lived and being a blessing and inspiration to others.

Susie Elmore is a Pike County native. She was born and raised in Enon and graduated from Pike County High School. She married Julius Elmore and they owned a small farm before moving to Phenix City where they both found gainful employment.

Mrs. Elmore said life has been good to her. She has a wonderful family and many friends and has been blessed with good health.

“I came to Nobel Manor in 2017 and it’s like family,” she said.

Actually, it is family. Her sister Janette Wesley is also a resident of Noble Manor.

“And, we’ve not fought yet,” the sisters said, laughing.

Several members of the senior center’s 90’s Club celebrated with Mrs. Elmore. They joined other guests in asking for her secret to a long and healthy life “and especially a youthful” life.

“Susie doesn’t look a day over 60,” Allene Snider whispered.

Mrs. Elmore was more than willing to share her recipe for a long happy life. The three “Fs” – faith, family and friends. Then, find a hobby you enjoy and enjoy doing it.

“I like to crochet,” Mrs. Elmore said. “And, I have enjoyed working in the yard. I love flowers and I like raking leaves.”

And, as far as looking young at 101, Mrs. Elmore recommends vegetables and face cream applied morning and night.

“And, don’t use the same face cream,” she said. “Use one cream in the morning and a different one at night.”

Mrs. Elmore’s friends stayed for refreshments and more than a few, whispered, “And what kind of face cream did you say you use?”

“Happy Birthday 101, Susie.”