When Summey's boyfriend Joseph fell ill, his brother Ronnie Parks came in to save the day and did the honors of providing the first dance of the night.
A North Carolina woman had her first-ever birthday bash at the age of 105. Line dancers and square dancers performed routines to entertain the beautiful birthday girl, 105-year-old Lorene Summey.
As per USA TODAY, when Summey's boyfriend Joseph fell ill, his brother Ronnie Parks came in to save the day and did the honors of providing the first dance of the night. Summey had asked for 105 birthday cards one representing each year of her life but she ended up receiving 1200 cards, with more arriving daily, as per her caregivers at Somerset Court in Cherryville.
Cherryville Mayor H.L Beam was on hand to wish her happy birthday as was Gaston County Commissioner Allen Fraley. Roy Cooper also declared her birth date as "Lorene Summey Day in Gaston County."
Summey wore a jeweled tiara on her head and a pink western dress decorated with a bright, flowery design. Members of the Cherryville Police Department and town firefighters escorted her to the party. About 200 or more people attended Summey's birthday party at the rest home where she resides. The staff decorated the main dining hall and made it look like a barn. Summey clapped along to the song Cotton-Eyed Joe as she and her friends smiled and enjoyed the dancing and music.
She received birthday cards from all 50 states. Love for Summey wasn't limited to the US, she also got cards that arrived from as far away as England, Niagra Falls. "She has a wonderful spirit and a great attitude," said 67-year-old Ann Kozliner who has eaten lunch with Summey almost every day. She added, "She's thankful every day to be alive."
Summey put herself through night school and worked at the former trucking company in Carolina Freight for 39 years. Her only child, 82-year-old Roger talked about his mother's strength saying that she always showed him, love, even when she was trying to get him to do the right things. "It was everything you see here. She’s a loving woman," said Lorene’s stepson, Roger Summey.
As per Actionnews5, her doctor, Dr, Guillermo Lesassier said he has cared for a lot of patients in his 51 years of practicing medicine and he was happy to announce that she was in great shape both physically and mentally. He also added that she is very prompt during her medical visits and carries conversations with ease."She is blessed by God"
People took to Facebook to congratulate her and wish her a special birthday. A user Robyn Wilds wrote, "Awwww! Wishing Ms. Lorene a wonderful birthday! I wish we could all be there at her party. At 105 I bet she has a ton of interesting stories and life lessons to share." A user named Dee Ashton wrote, " Lorene!! Have a Wonderful Special Birthday!!!!! Well done!!! Such a Grand age!!! And you were obviously a loving kind Big Sister!!! More! Wonderful Birthday Wishes to you Lorene!!"
References:
https://www.actionnews5.com/2022/11/21/105-year-old-woman-celebrates-with-first-ever-birthday-party/
https://www.facebook.com/tiffandcari/posts/679159673581873
Cover Image Source: YouTube | Somerset Court of Cherryville
