Breedlove will turn 100 years old.
A celebration today with her family – which includes her daughter and son-in-law, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – will be followed by a party at Brightmoor Assisted Living, where Breedlove resides. Even the White House has sent her a congratulatory note for becoming a centenarian.
Despite dealing with some health issues, such as rheumatism, declining hearing and limited mobility, Breedlove still has a very sharp mind. For that, she said, there is no magic formula or secret recipe, though she pointed out that she neither smokes cigarettes nor drinks alcohol.
“I don’t drink anything but water, tea and lemonade,” she said.
Another reason for why she has stayed in good shape may be the fact that she enjoys reading and doesn’t watch much TV except the news and a few game shows. Her faith might also play a role.
“That’s the main thing in my life, church and Bible. And then my family,” said Breedlove, who is a member of the Church of Christ. “I feel like a decent person, and I’d like to associate myself with decent people.”
Growing up in Trenton, Ga., Breedlove has seen a lot of places throughout her life – mainly because her husband was a service man in the United States Navy.
“I went with him everywhere,” she said.
After his retirement, Breedlove began working as a teacher and later as a cashier in a restaurant. The two were married for 67 years until he passed away at age 93.
Breedlove said she lived by herself for about 10 years after her husband’s death and eventually joined Brightmoor. Though unable to walk much, Breedlove knows how to get into her wheelchair by herself and then steers into the facility’s dining room to join other residents for the daily meals.
Asked if she’s thankful, or happy, to turn 100 years shortly, Breedlove said she sure is.
“I’ve had a happy life,” she said. “I really have.”
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