Mt. Olive Resident Celebrates 100 Years of Life

What is the secret to life? This question is often asked and rarely answered. The older we grow, the sillier the question seems. 

Some may realize that there’s no secret, only strategy. 

100-year-old Armelia Ashford of Mt. Olive is living proof that your strategy matters.

On Saturday, June 19th, Ashford’s 100th birthday was celebrated by her church family at Saint Mark Free Will Baptist Church, where she has been a member since she was a child. 

“The impact she’s made on the church has been unimaginable. She always has a beautiful smile,” said Pastor Merwyn Smith of Saint Mark FWB Church.

This and many other kind words were spoken by Smith when asked to comment on Ashford’s impact on the church.

Ashford is the oldest living usher in their conference and continues to serve on the mother’s board. 

Smith said, “She told me the other day that she thinks of everyone in the church as her children.” 

Her niece Velma said, “She has made a big impact in my spiritual life and my life in general because she always set a good example for those in our family, who are now involved in our church.”

The party Saturday was an opportunity for Ashford to see friends and family that she hasn’t seen in a long time, due to the pandemic. 

“I think it’s a nice thing to celebrate a little bit because I want to see all my old friends, I’d like to see them very much,” said Ashford.

The event had a walk-through to allow pictures and visits with Ashford while keeping capacity low.

Ashford says the secret to life is found in prayer.

“God will answer prayers, just give him your heart. Live for Jesus and he will answer prayers. What I ask him to do for me, he has done it so far. Just give it to him and just wait on it. Don’t rush it. What I want it to be may not be what he wants it to be, but I know this, he will answer prayers.”