Cape Girardeau resident turns 107

Born in the Farmington area, the youngest of nine children, Florence Poe said she feels better than when she was in her 40s and suffering from a ruptured appendix. On the morning of her 107th birthday Tuesday she sat on her bed dividing her shiny, long, white hair into two even plaits, each about 20 inches long. Although blind, Poe is independent in every way possible.

"I feed myself. They bring me my plate and tell me what I've got," she said. The aides place the utensils and food in an orderly fashion making lack of vision a little less of a handicap.

Her secret to longevity: "The Lord just took care of me. I've been near dead, but I lived," she said. Her mother lived to be 103 but her dad died in his 70s.

'Special Jennifer'

The staff at Fountainbleau Lodge is important to Poe. Restorative therapy aide Jennifer Johnson is Poe's "special Jennifer."

"If it weren't for Jennifer I wouldn't make it," Poe said.

Johnson helps Poe to walk and exercise daily. She selected a special birthday outfit and made one long braid down the back for Poe, at Poe's request.

Being the center of attention is not favorable to Poe. When activities director Mary Ann Kuper informed her of the banner and balloons being placed over her door, Poe remarked, "Oh Mercy."

Poe's hope for the future includes going back home, although she knows she can't. In regard to the world, she said, "The world ain't gonna change. But I hope my grandchildren have a long, good life."

She has no aches or pains or even arthritis but wishes she could see and walk again. "I never thought about my age. I don't feel decrepit," Poe said.

Poe is anticipating a visit from her grandson, Michael Jackson, from Colorado. Last week she had company from New Jersey. On her birthday, two of her daughters, Vivian Jackson and Wanda Fitzpatrick, came to the celebration at Fountainbleau Lodge, planned especially for her. The menu included chicken and dumplings, Poe's favorite food.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133