Turning 100: Meet Toledo’s newest centenarian
She was in great spirits — and came well-dressed for the occasion.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Let me tell you a story. It’s what I do, right? In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there were about 1,891 centenarians living in the state of Ohio. Now, nationally, the number’s expected to swell to 600,000 by 2050. But, of course, it’s still rare to be a centenarian in today’s age and that number’s continuing to grow. I had the opportunity to speak with Florie Huntley. She attends First Church of God and, let me tell you, everyone I spoke to had something positive to say about how she impacted them.
“It is my honor to just show her my love, how much I really love her. She has been supporting me through my foundation and I just think of her as a good friend,” said Phyllis Keith.
“So many areas of the church: music, choir director, teaching bible school, and so many have learned so much from her,” added Vicki Comer.
And those many roles have translated into many lessons learned for all those who grew up with the opportunity to learn from Florie.
“She taught us to read the word, and to pray, to love on each other, and be a part of the family of god, and she has such great wisdom — and she has a great sense of humor,” Comer said.
And that sense of humor was on full display Sunday, when the church held a celebration of her major milestone.
“What’s your life story?” I asked, to which she responded:
“Oh lord, have mercy, that’s a long story,” Huntley said.
She talked of her humble beginnings, and how they brought her north to a city along the Maumee called Toledo.
“I was raised in Birmingham, Alabama, okay. And when I got married, I came to Toledo and I began to worship in this church. I was 30-years-old at that particular time,” Huntley recalled.
Florie also talked about her childhood, a simple one, compared to most today.
“A lot of times, we made our own toys,” she explained. “I forgot what you called them and everything; that’s been so long ago. And then we used to do a lot of playing outside, but, you know, it’s almost like you can’t let your kids be outside by themselves.”
And, of course, turning a hundred years old means she has seen things change before her eyes. She recalls growing up Black in the south and how that shaped her experiences, while also acknowledging just how much the world has changed. From clothing to gender identity to even “the way people talk.”
“Things have come a long way, but we still have a long ways to go.”
And to the surprise of no one, Ms. Huntley has some wise words to leave you with.
“That kindness will come back to you when you’re kind to others.”
