Lee-Russell Council of Governments honors eight additional people older than 100
By Robert Noles
Opelika Observer
The Lee-Russell Council of Governments Area Agency On Aging unveiled the pictures of eight additional Lee-Russell County residents that were over 100 years old. This year the Centenarian Unveiling Tea honored persons not recognized in last year’s inaugural event, at which eigh centenarians were also recognized.
Executive Director Suzanne Burnette and Jackie Pinkard, AAA Director, made several remarks before the unveiling and thanked several people but noted a special thanks to Charlie Jernigan of Jernigan Photography for his time and donating the portraits and to Lee Vanoy for gathering the information for the portraits and for arranging on the wall.
Two of the eight new honorees passed away earlier this year; their passing was marked with yellow roses in two chairs. Two of the remaining honorees were present – Malvin Owens, 101 years old, and James C. Richardson, 110 years old. Three of last year’s original group have also passed away.
Richardson, at 110 years, could possibly be the oldest man in the United States since the oldest man in the USA at 111 passed away recently. Richardson is currently living at Parkwood Health Care in Phenix City. Asking him to what he would contribute his long life, he responded without hesitation, “Do not forget the Lord and treat everyone right, and the Lord will take care of you.” He also said he has not been sick in his life.
He joins two other 110-year-ols, Julia Crocker and Eula Mae Prophitt, both recognized last year.
This year’s honorees are:
James Richardson (110)
Hattie C. Skinner, (103)
Eleanor L. Harris (101)
Malvin Owens (101)
Rosie L. Barnes (101)
Velma L Bowie (101)
Grace Scott (101)
George P. May (100)
The portraits of these centenarians join those of the initial eight recognized last year on the walls of the Lee-Russell Council of Governments building at 2207 Gateway Drive in Opelika, just outside the office of the Area Agency on Aging.
Anyone who knows of centenarians in addition to the 16 currently recognized is asked to provide their names and contact information to Jackie Pinkard,