“I turn 95 on June 15 and have worked for 80 years. I worked at King’s Daughters Hospital in Yazoo City. It was segregated, but I started out as a tray girl putting food on trays and taking it to patients. I worked my way up to writing tray tickets and working with special diets. I left King’s Daughters to make more money at the E&W factory making pajamas. I was one of the first Blacks to become a machine operator. Color has never been in my heart. I just love people, and the Lord saved me to help them.

I worked at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health in group homes and was a Certified Nursing Assistant and a first-aid instructor. I’ve been an activity coordinator for seniors and a member of our church choir. I worked for Head Start for almost 40 years, helping children and families with their health needs–that was my love. My happiness is when the children I worked with walk up to me at the store and ask me how I’m doing. They make me feel good. I raised my five children and other folk’s children, too.

I still try to keep active. By the grace of God, I am still working with the University of Alabama Cancer Research Center as a Community Health Advisor and give out information that early detection saves lives.

I didn’t realize how much I’ve done until I got this old. There’s a poem that says, ‘Slow me down Lord.’ I’m slowing down and have more time to meditate and read. I’ve got time to thank the Lord for a good night’s rest, even with my ailments. I learned to pray for everybody, not just me. The Lord has given me more time to pass the Word on.

All my friends around me are passing. When is my time? I don’t know. But now I have time to think and thank him. Thank you Lord.”

Velma