Centenarians Celebrate: 5 Alamance County women honored for 100 years of life

Five women are being honored for their longevity at the Homeplace of Burlington, an assisted living facility. The event, of what the Homeplace hopes will become an annual celebration, was organized by Donna Brendle, executive director of Homeplace of Burlington, and other staff.

" We have a couple ladies who are 99-years-old," Brendle said. "So they will be joining the club."

The idea to celebrate the lives of residents 100 years old and up came from Phyliss Enoch, Homeplace of Burlington's dietary manager. Echon's mother worked with Mildred Baldwin, one of the honorees, at the same hospital.

" It moved me" Enoch said. "I thought we need to celebrate these people."

Margaret Robinson

Margaret Robinson, 100, was born outside Philadelphia but moved to northern Virginia as a child. She was married to James Robinson and together they raised a family of four children. Robinson worked as a clerk and assistant secretary for the government in Washington, D.C. Robinson loves to work in gardens. She loves to tend flowers to make sure they are looking beautiful and growing healthily. Robinson also loves playing card games, such as Bingo and Uno. Robinson currently resides at Homeplace.

When asked if she had a secret to her youth, she sassily said, "no."

Robinson has been in the care of Homeplace of Burlington since September of 2016 and is still very independent.

Eugenia "Jean" Jones Burwell

Eugenia "Jean" Jones Burwell, 101, was born on Jan. 13, 1921.

Burwell was married to Huges Burwell for more than 70 years. Burwell was a member of the Davis Street Methodist Church in Burlington. She volunteered with the Red Cross in her earlier days. She also worked with Kaysor Roth.

Burwell enjoys sewing and making Christmas ornaments.

Vivian B. Williamson

Vivian B. Williamson, 101, is a longtime local; she grew up in Graham.

Williamson is an alumna of Graham High school, where she completed all 11-grades offered at the time. She began working in retail in Burlington at an early age. She ran Cradle Shop, a children's clothing store located in Burlington for years. Williamson also spent most of her adult life working at Western Electric.

Williamson has one son, three grandsons, three great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter who all call her "Gigi". Williamson has always been the "glue" that holds her family together. Williamson's personal motto is: "Faith, Family and Friends" and spent many years with the First Methodist Church in Graham.

Williamson has been in the care of Homeplace of Burlington since July 2016.

Audrey Marie Zannoth Stimpert

Audrey Marie Zannoth Stimpert, 103, was born on Aug. 7, 1919. Stimpert was married to Fred D. Stimpert and has two granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.

Stimpert grew up in Detroit and went to Bob Jones college for a secretarial degree. Her civic duties included being president of the YMCA in Pontiac, Michigan, and Tuesday Musical, a community chorus in Pontiac. Stimpert was also active in her church, where her mother was the church organist for 45 years. Stimpert is a devout follower of Jesus and loves to sing in the choir.

During her working years, Stimpert kept an active and busy life. She was also an avid bowler and Ping-Pong champion in interoffice tournaments. While living in Pontiac, she golfed, sailed, swam, ice skated and played hockey. She also toured Michigan on her bike with friends and cousins. Stimpert even toured Europe with a bike club. After moving to St. Pete Beach, she continuted to bike and golf, but picked up tennis. She played tennis until she was 98-years-old. Stimpert also played trumpet since high school and played until the age of 99.

Mildred Baldwin

Mildred Baldwin,100, is always ready to help someone with a smile on her face.

Baldwin worked hard outside of the home. She worked at the Alamance County Hospital for 27 years, spending ten years in respiratory therapy. Since Baldwin enjoys helping people, she has involved herself in several community service activities. She is a member of the Davis Street Methodist Church, serves as president of the United Methodist Women, delivered Meals on Wheels, and is a member of the Hospice League and American War Mothers. Baldwin also works year-round crocheting items and making crafts to sell at Graham's annual Arts Round the Square Festival. The proceeds she makes go to organizations she works with, such as the Hospice League.

Baldwin has 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Baldwin was married for 53 years to Bill Baldwin. She was chosen by the Altrusa Club as Mother of the Year in 1994 and loved every moment of raising her family.

"Motherhood has been a joy," Baldwin said.

This article originally appeared on Times-News: Alamance county assisted living facility honors residents for age, 5 women 100+