Hampton turns 104
When it comes to longevity, Lula T. Hampton has beat just about everybody. The Lincoln County native celebrated her 104th birthday at NHC Health Care as several of the staff and residents gathered around to wish her well during a party given in her honor. She was born Jan. 8, 1900.
“Ms Lula is such a jokester,” noted Fay Braxton, NHC activities director who had made arrangements for the afternoon affair. “She enjoys visitors and recalling events from her past.”
A cluster of balloons attached to a sign announcing her age contributed to the festive atmosphere in the activities room. Ice cream and a decorated cake were served from a table covered in white and centered with a fresh bouquet of red roses and two lighted tapers in single holders.
For the occasion, the honoree was dressed in red with a rose corsage pinned at her shoulder.
“She loves her dolls and the live animals brought here through our pet therapy program,” Braxton said.
Hampton is the daughter of the late Bob and Deanie Taylor and had two sisters and two brothers. She has survived three husbands and is the mother of two sons, George and Otis Andrews. A daughter, who was only a few days old, died of pneumonia.
Anthony and Gail Campbell of Tracy City are her special friends.
“I never finished school because my mother became ill and I was needed at home,” Hampton said.
She helped her husband support the family by working in cotton mills before moving to Ohio, and again when they relocated in Alabama. She was residing in Grundy County in 1998 when she was moved to the health care facility.