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Longtime Andalusia resident Rebecca Kinard celebrated her 100th birthday with several family members, friends, and assisted living residents during a surprise party at Savannah Terrace on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

Kinard was born at home on her family’s farm in Wedowee, Alabama, on Oct. 9, 1924. She graduated from Wedowee High School and attended Judson College in Marion, Alabama, for two years. She then transferred to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) and graduated in 1946 with a degree in Home Economics.

“I don’t know the secret to longevity and good health. The Good Lord just has not been ready to call me home. The people at Savannah Terrace also take good care of me,” Kinard said.

Kinard and her husband Bo moved to Andalusia in 1959 when he became the county agent for the Agricultural Extension Service in Covington County. He served in that role until his passing in the early 1980s.

For Kinard, she said reaching the century mark brings her both good and bad days.

“I have my aches and pains, and sometimes, I don’t sleep well. I don’t know why the Good Lord has let me stay here this long,” she said.

She has called Andalusia home for over 65 years and previously resided in the community of Bellwood before she moved to Savannah Terrance in 2018.

“I occasionally get to see my two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who live in Virginia and South Florida. My son and his wife live in South Florida and come to visit several times a year. My son calls me every afternoon to check on me. Also, I get to watch the Atlanta Braves on TV and play games with my friends at Savannah Terrace,” Kinard said.

Kinard added that she begins each day at 7 a.m. when she gets dressed and has her first meal.

“After I wake up and get ready, I go to breakfast before I come back to my apartment and work on jigsaw puzzles or a word search. Our activities director Lisa always has some activity for us like bingo, dominoes, or some arts and crafts. If the Braves are on TV, I watch them. I also take a lot of naps.”

She has one son, Mike (Nancy) Kinard of Jupiter, Florida; two grandchildren, Doug (Holly) Kinard of Richmond, Virginia, and Kelly (Dan) Zeltmann of Jupiter; five great-grandchildren: Hailey, 15, Lainey, 13, Avery, 11, and Caleb Kinard, 8, all of Richmond, and Adelynn Zeltmann, 10, of Jupiter.

“My family and friends mean a lot to me. All of my family and friends who were my age are no longer with us. I am always happy when someone comes by to visit,” Kinard said.

Kinard received a certificate of recognition from Gov. Kay Ivey that read as follows:

“This certificate is presented in honor of your one hundredth birthday celebrated on October 9, 2024. Your life experiences are a lesson for us all. Congratulations and best wishes on your birthday.”