March 27, 2019 (Laurinburg, NC) ─ Kindness has proven to be the fountain of youth for Elizabeth “Lib” Lennon Hester. Born on March 19, 1919 in Bladenboro, North Carolina, the Prestwick Village resident recently celebrated her 100^th birthday with a day of pomp and circumstance, surrounded by friends and family and fellow residents at the DePaul Senior Living Community in Laurinburg.

“Always be kind,” is Elizabeth’s secret to a long and happy life.

One of six children, Elizabeth grew up in the country. After graduating from high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at a bank for twenty-five years. She married her high school sweetheart Roy Wilbur Hester. The two were married for 60 years and had one son, three grandsons and six great-grandchildren.

Among Elizabeth’s hobbies are crocheting and knitting – for family or for missionaries and those less fortunate. Activities Director Rebekah Chandler-Marquez said Elizabeth welcomes guests into her room with warmth.

“She really likes to cut up,” said Rebekah. “She has a beautiful laugh!”

A colorful sea of tissue paper flowers on the tables and the fireplace mantle made by volunteer Mary Ellen Caulder filled the dining room at Prestwick Village for Elizabeth’s 100^th birthday celebration. The centenarian was presented with a tiara and proclaimed “queen for the day!” Chris English, chairman of the Laurinburg Chamber of Commerce kicked-off the celebration, Rebekah shared her own stories about “Ms. Lib,” and then her grandson David Hester and daughter-in-law Rhoda Hester both shared their own tributes.

Attendees sang “Happy Birthday” while cake and ice cream were being served, accompanied by Rev. Alan Winters, chaplain of Scotland Regional Hospice, on guitar. In addition to friends and family, guests included the staff from Scotland Regional Hospice, Elizabeth’s pastor Rev. Hunt of the First Methodist Church of Laurinburg.

Elizabeth is pictured above with her daughter-in-law Rhonda, granddaughter-in-law Wanda Hester, Elizabeth Hester, and grandson David Hester. For more information about Prestwick Village, please contact Administrator Deanna Smith at (910) 276-5950 at dsmith4@depaul.org or visit us on Facebook.