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Zionite Celebrates 110th Birthday

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Morristown, TN – Miss Nellie Johnson of Young’s Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Morristown, TN celebrated her 110th birthday on December 16, 2016 at the Heritage Nursing Home. Church members, dignitaries, staff and friends shared in the celebration. Ms. Johnson is the oldest member of the church and has served faithfully over the years as Sunday school teacher/treasurer, choir member, missionary to name a few. Nellie is the last of five siblings, all being single. In the early days the sisters walked to the church as they never owned a car. Later when the church moved due to urban renewal, they used cabs for transportation. Nellie has resided at the Heritage Nursing Home for the past sixteen years. She is very conscientious, ambitious and independent. She makes her own bed, dresses herself, plays bingo and reads the daily newspaper.

During a brief ceremony preceding the party she received presentations from Governor Bill Haslam and U.S. Representative Phil Roe. She was also the recipient of the Centurion Award. Ms. Johnson is 44th in line for being the oldest citizen in the nation. County Mayor Bill Brittan presented her a Christmas ornament depicting the county courthouse. Young’s Temple’s Preacher Steward, Mr. William Thompson gave remarks on behalf of the church family.

A huge cake adorned with 110 on top and a picture of Ms. Johnson served as a centerpiece. Newspaper article depicting events from the year of her birth to the present year adorned the table edges. A delightful repass was served by the Heritage Center staff. Sharing in the celebration with Ms. Johnson was Young’s Temple second oldest in the person of Mrs. Marjorie Thompson Senter, age 99.

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