Blackburn enjoys a century of memories
Myra Haythorn helped her mother, Monetious Blackburn, celebrate her 100th birthday.
It’s not everyday you get to celebrate your 100th birthday.
Monetious Blackburn, a 62-year Madison-area resident, enjoyed this privilege on July 26, when she celebrated one century of living along with her daughter, Myra Haythorn, and the other residents of Madison Manor Nursing Home.
Haythorn considers it a blessing to have a mother who is 100 years old. “It’s wonderful,” Haythorn said. “I thank God every day that I have a mother. She’s my best friend and best traveling partner. We’ve had many good times and memories.”
Blackburn was born in Asheville on July 26, 1912, to parents Brady and Gussie Moorer. She married her late husband of 59 years, Roy Blackburn, in 1927.
They had a daughter, Myra Haythorn, and two sons, Brady Blackburn and the late Dr. Roy Blackburn Jr. Blackburn has nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Blackburn first moved to Huntsville in 1941, then moved back to Huntsville in 1950 after living in Florida. According to her family, she was a homemaker who was very active in organizations such as the Rotary Ann Club in Huntsville, which she helped start, as well as the First Baptist Church of Huntsville, the Hospitality Club and several garden clubs.
According to a biography compiled by Madison Manor employee Nancy Lawler, “Mrs. Blackburn was known for her love of people. She always remained upbeat and positive. People have stated how much she would cheer them up. She always had a strong faith in God.”
Blackburn has traveled across the globe to destinations such as China, Australia, Scotland, Egypt, Greece and many more. “When we traveled, we couldn’t keep up with her. Nobody in the group could,” Haythorn said. “She’d walk off and leave all of us, even the young ones.”
Blackburn has been a resident of Madison Manor Nursing Home since 2009. Lawler said it’s a privilege to help celebrate Blackburn’s birthday.
“I find it very inspiring that she’s lived such a full life,” Lawler said. “She’s done all this traveling, she’s got a large family, she’s very gracious, she’s very outgoing. To me, it’s just inspiring to see someone who’s 100 that’s so active still. She likes to come to all the events and we love having her here with us.”
