OAK HILL, WV (WOAY) – Not every day does one come across someone celebrating their 100th birthday.
What’s the key to longevity? For Betty Stinnett Burgess, this milestone is about a life well lived and surrounded by love.
“When I say I’m celebrating 100 years, I think in my mind of all these wonderful things I’ve had in my life,” the birthday girl said.
It’s a rare group indeed, but one that is growing. And for Burgess living to 100 is about faith and love.
Betty says she always walked with the Lord and went to church regularly. Being faithful has served her well.
“I can’t thank God enough for all that he’s done for me all these years, met so many wonderful people and I think of the fact that I have left an imprint on so many little children,” said Burgess.
She and her beloved husband, the late Kenneth James Burgess built a beautiful life together, including two children and five grandchildren.
“I was 12-years-old and this boy (16) would come to our house every time he had a chance,” Betty said. “And so, it wasn’t too long after that when I was 17, he took me and married me.”
According to the centenarian, she always wanted to be either a missionary or a teacher. One morning in 1964 she says she felt a sign: and got her college degree and later a master’s.
“I taught in church all of these years. And then, of course, was teaching in school too,” she said. “And loved every minute, loved all my people and especially my little ones.”
Betty also loves her books and her grandchildren have taken notice.
“‘Grandma, do you realize that you have books in every room in the house?’ I said, ‘Yes, because when we were little we didn’t have money for books,” said Burgess.
The 100-year-old says she never disliked anyone because she loves people. And while there were challenges over the years, Betty just rolled with them.
“I can’t think of any time that I have felt disgruntled about most anything,” Burgess said. “Because I’m so happy with the way things go and work out, and I still enjoy just being here.”
