'I know God has me for a purpose': Jackson native celebrates 104th birthday
An unrelenting devotion to God and cooperation with everyone — that's the key to living a long life according to Claribel Herndon, a resident at Brookdale Jackson Oaks, who celebrated her 104th birthday on Sunday.
At her purple-themed celebration Friday afternoon at the assisted living facility, she shared details about her life with fellow residents and family members who came to Jackson from across the country to celebrate.
On behalf of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, Councilman Frank McMeen, District 5, read a proclamation at the celebration, declaring Jan. 7, 2024 as Claribel Herndon Day.
Herndon has been a lifelong resident of the area, growing up between Jackson and Humboldt, and shared a story of the local doctor having to ride to her family's log cabin on horseback in the snow to deliver her in 1920.
Herndon was the youngest of eight children.
She worked as a nurse at The Jackson Clinic for 25 years and says she had "always wanted to be one."
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"I know God has me for a purpose, so I will try to help anybody I can," Herndon said reflecting on her time in the medical field.
Herndon's niece Linda Johnson followed a similar path as her aunt and explaining the two worked together at The Jackson Clinic for a brief time. Johnson says she greatly admires her aunt.
How long Herdon has lived has further inspired her own faith in God, Johnson said.
"She has a strong will and determination to do whatever she intended to do, which I think is very important for people, particularly ladies of that day," Johnson said. "I sort of followed Claribel in medicine."
Herndon has four sons with her late husband of 51 years, nine grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Consequently, her family is what she says she's most proud of in her life.
She shared her how she set boundaries and values early in raising a family.
"Well I'm proud that I had four sons, and I did not have any problems with them," Herndon says. "I said if you get in any problems, I'll know it before you get home."
At Brookdale, Herndon enjoys spending her time playing dominoes, bingo and board games.
When asked what the most important lesson she learned in life was, she spoke about her philosophy on cooperation and compassion.
"I've learned to try to cooperate with all the people," she said. "I speak to people I don't know and that's how I've made some friends too."
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Brookdale Jackson Oaks senior celebrates 104th birthday with purpose
