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Mildred Hathcock says, “I can tell you a lot that you don’t know!”… and that’s likely because much of her life was lived before many readers were born.

Currently residing in Bethany Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hathcock, who was born on May 12, 1924, will celebrate her 100th birthday on Mother’s Day with a party for family and invited friends.

“Seeing her live, and seeing her spirit and character is an inspiration to me,” said Juanita Murchison, activities director at the facility.

Mildred grew up in the Oakboro community and married the late Newell Hathcock in 1946. She worked at Stanly Knitting Mills before retiring in 1989. Mildred raised two daughters (Janice and Bonnie), and has two grandchildren and one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

According to daughter Janice, her mother enjoyed, “doing anything outside — gardening, raising flowers, and growing vegetables, as well as canning and baking.”

When asked to what she credits her longevity, Mildred replied, “The Lord has just blessed me.”

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.