Gulfport resident celebrates 102nd birthday
One Gulfport resident is celebrating one big milestone this week.
The year is 1917. World War I is still being fought, the Ford Model T is still rolling off the assembly line, and a girl named Cora was born in Alabama.
Cora Phillips will turn 102-years-old on September 10th and numerous generations of her family gathered at VFW Post 4526 in Gulfport to celebrate Saturday.
Phillips says she is feeling good upon hitting another life milestone. “I, I feel good. I see all of my cousins, nieces, and nephews around and they take so much care of me, and I just love them all.”
Phillips and her husband Edmond moved to Gulfport from Wiggins in 1972 and raised three children. During her adult life, Phillips worked as a school and nursing home cook in addition to raising and taking care of her family.
Daughter Annie Phillips-Cunningham says her mom is still thriving at her age. “It’s just a blessing. I mean, she’s in her right frame of mind, she’s in good health and I just thank God every day for her.”
And family members say she’s always been there for them with love and good advice. Grandson Steven Maxwell said, “Over the course of my life she’s been there for me on more than one occasion, you know, speaking with me and imparting wisdom and giving me really good advice, basically impressing upon me that making the best decisions creates an environment where you can thrive.”
“You could be depressed and you could go to her and she could give you advice and just lift you back up, and that’s what’s so amazing about her.”
As for any secrets to her longevity? Phillips says she was never a smoker or drinker, but above all, her strong faith has been influential in her life. “I always went to church. I didn’t stop going to church. I never forgot the Lord.”
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