THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 13, 1994 TAG: 9410110126
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Wearing a festive lavender-and-white flowered dress and two gold-and-pearl barrettes in her hair, Cora Owens was ready to party.
It's not often someone turns 102.
``I don't have no secret to being this old,'' the frail woman told visitors during her birthday celebration Oct. 5 at the Norfolk Health Care Center on Princess Anne Road. ``I just live every day.''
``Not everyone makes it to 102,'' her goddaughter, Beryl Downing, noted with pride. ``She's been in failing health for the last six years. Now she's blind, but she still loves to listen to religious music and recite the 23rd Psalm every day.''
Born in Portsmouth in 1893, Owens has been a resident of the Norfolk nursing home for the last two years. A former housekeeper and expert seamstress, Owens married but never had children. Downing grew up next door to the woman.
``She was there when I was born,'' explained Downing, 74. ``I was born at home with a midwife, and she saw me before my daddy did.''
For her birthday, about 30 friends, family members and members of Owens' church gathered at the Norfolk center for birthday cake, punch and other munchies. Among her special guests were 12 other residents of the center 92 years of age and older.
At 107 years, Onie Claiborne was the oldest.
``Where's my glasses,'' Mrs. Claiborne asked a staff member while waiting for the party to begin. ``I had them a minute ago when I was reading that magazine.''
After a few minutes of searching, activities director Barbara McDougle located the glasses under the table.
Meanwhile, the birthday girl was posing for pictures surrounded by flowers, greeting cards and a fruit basket.
``She has so much `mother-wit' - she's really wise,'' her goddaughter said. ``I just can't believe she's doing so well at 102.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
Dr. Charles Hart, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist, congratulates the
oldest member of his church, Cora Owens, on her 102nd birthday.
Beryl Downing, right, attends her godmother's birthday party at the
Norfolk Health Care Center on Princess Anne Road.
by CNB