Ada Marie Blair has reached a milestone of honor – Five scores – in her life’s walk. On Wednesday Sept 18, 2019 she charted 100 years of life. The celebrations have been joyous with family, friends and church family giving thanks and gifts, yet it was not enough to join with others, so Ward Economic Dev Corp planned a five-star party that surprised Mrs. Blair after she thought everything had been done.
The room was decorated in shades of pink as guests arrived to walk the “pink carpet” into the Ward Villas ballroom where guitars were strumming and a dance floor awaited them. Did I fail to mention that every guest was at least 62 years of age and eight of the guests were between 90 to 99 years of age? Yes, they were recognized gave special greetings to their Elder – Marie Blair who is now the oldest resident of the Villas. Mrs. Barbara Rooks, Mr. Tom Brown, Mr. Walter Conforme, Mr. James Wilkes, Mrs. Dolmenia Vernon, Mrs. Esmerelda Stewart, Mrs. Bertha Moreno, and Mr. Euland Greer. What a blessing!
For two hours, the more than 40 guests enjoyed a healthy and delicious meal by Bernice Lombard Catering, served by WEDC staff. Mrs. Blair’s favorite music – jazz filled the room and soon dancing and foot tapping with head nodding became the evening exercise along with the singing of hymns, classics and the Motown sound.
Then the proclamations and commendations were presented. Proclamations came from Mayor Eric Garcetti, Assemblymen Reggie Jones-Sawyer, and LA City Councilmember Herb Wesson. Her councilman, LA City Councilmember is planning to invite her to City Council for in-person recognition. Rev. John Hill, her pastor from Holman United Methodist Church and her former Pastor James Lawson and Mrs. Lawson were present along with other members of her church family. The money tree, cards and gifts were presented by the host committee of fellow residents.
The evening ended the music of Dennis Miller playing Stevie Wonder’s version of Happy birthday as the birthday cake which was actually cupcakes arranged in shape of “100” by “David World Famous Banana Pudding” was served. Each guest received a sparkling cider gift with specialized label – 100th birthday of Ada Marie Blair – designed by Patricia Becton Cobb.
“All of the residents of Ward Villas are a blessing to Ward EDC, but we are especially grateful to speak the language of love to our residents as we contribute to the quality of life of our Elders. Ward Villas is a resort in the city which is home to residents from 13 worldwide cultures. It is our joy to serve those who served us so well in every aspect of life,” says WEDC President “Jackie” Dupont-Walker.
