Favorite #29: 100 Years of Service

Lonnie enjoying her birthday

Lonnie’s Life

 100 Years of Service to Others

            Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet a lady celebrating her 100th birthday at a party given to her by family and friends. Once an elementary school teacher, Lonnie Cruse Holmes had a teaching career that lasted forty years, beginning in 1933. Married in 1936 to a fellow educator, they never had any children, but many came to think of Lonnie as a mother. 

            Loving music, she played the piano and organ for church, beginning when she was eleven years old. Carrying that love of music into the classroom, Lonnie often played the piano and sang with her students. Some of them developed such a love of music from Mrs. Holmes, they later went on to college, earning music degrees. One of those is now a semi-retired choir director in Chicago, while another became a teacher at the NC School of the Arts.

             At the party, I met three of Lonnie’s students she taught during the sixties. Even today, they have memories of (Mrs. Holmes) singing and playing the piano. Watching their faces as they recalled saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing patriotic songs, it was if they were traveling back through time right before my eyes.

            Thinking only a few friends and family would attend the celebration on January 26, Lonnie was surprised at the large number of people who came to celebrate her milestone. Little did she realize about forty people would show up to wish her happy birthday, while enjoying fellowship, cake and finger food.

             Writing a story about Lonnie for a local newspaper (The Salisbury Post),  I asked what she would like for everyone to know. She said she would like for everyone to know she’s been a Christian all of her life and loves Jesus. Proud to be the oldest living member in her church, Lonnie placed flowers from her garden on the altar for six years without missing a Sunday. That ended fifteen years ago when she moved to a retirement center.

            Friends and family eagerly shared how Lonnie showed love through the years by serving others in her church and community. From their stories, it was obvious she understood love isn’t just words, but action. With Valentine’s Day so close, perhaps we all should take a lesson from Lonnie, remembering love is more than candy and flowers. Even at 100 years old, she is still teaching. Happy 100th Birthday, Lonnie. You so deserve it.

            To read more, check out the following link:

            http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130203/SP01/130209900/dicy-mccullough-lonnie-holmes-has-made-a-lot-of-music-in-100-years

          Congratulations, Lonnie!  Because of your 100 year milestone and unselfish service, you are my favorite person of the week. 

         Do you know someone who shows love through serving others? If so, I would like to hear from you. Leave a comment, message on Facebook or send an email to dicysm@yahoo.com.

            Thanks,

            Dicy

           Thanks to photographer Wayne Hinshaw for permission to use Lonnie’s photo.