“Old age is not a disease -- it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illnesses.” - Maggie Kuhn
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Today, April 29, Cora Thigpen turns 105 years old. She has been a Madison County resident for many years, and a hard-working mother, wife, grandmother and citizen. She resides at Lake Park of Madison and continues to positively impact those who come in contact with her. Cora Newman Williams Thigpen was born on April 29, 1910 to Mary and Samuel Newman of Lafayette County. At the early age of five, she lost her father in a sawmill accident. Later, her mother married George McClamma, who took on the role of father in Cora's life and raised her as his own. The family lived below Midway Baptist Church and Cora has fond memories of Sunday mornings. Her mother would bathe her, fix her hair, starch and iron her Sunday dress and line the bed of the wagon with a quilt so that, while traveling the bumpy road to church, Cora's clothes would stay neat. In those days, church was essential and Cora was raised to revere God and look her best before entering His house. In addition, Cora loved gospel music. Mary Elizabeth, Cora's mother, bought her a piano and her step father drew on brown paper and taught her to play through the shaped notes method. Cora married Shelly Sylvester Williams and gave birth to nine children, five of which are still living: Edgar, Raymond, Barbara, Bonnie and Caroll. Preceding in death were Edwin Earl, Joyce Evelyn, William Edward and Isaac Elvoye. Edwin and Joyce died as infants. 18 years after Shelly's death, she married David Thigpen. Through David, she gained seven step-children: Thomas, W.H., Lorene, Lue Ella, Lily Mae, Myrtice and Myrtle. Her bloodline descendants amount to nine children, 24 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 52 great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild. She has been a valuable influence on the lives of every one. Because Cora lived through the depression, she had the ability to face difficult situations with grace and strength. “Times were hard and resources were limited, but being a woman of determination, commitment and conviction, she always managed to see her family's needs were met,” agreed Cora's children. “She fed us, clothed us, churched us and, yes, had her own brand of chastising us. Each one of her children knew that we were very important to her and she loved each one in her own special way.” Cora has a zest for life. Some of her fondest memories include family get-togethers filled with southern comfort food, fun and fellowship; gardening, as she has always loved bright colored flowers and kept a neat and tidy garden; quilting parties where close friends were invited over to work on a joint quilt, laugh, joke and gossip; fishing, where they would dig worms for bait and fish with a cane pole; southern gospel music (Cora can play the piano, harmonica and guitar); listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the back porch; Sunday church meetings; Church dinner on the ground; and feeding the chickens. Cora Newman Williams Thigpen is a living legacy. She suffered many heartaches in her life; including the loss of her father, mother, two husbands, a brother, a grandson in Vietnam and four beloved children. She has also lived through the depression and fought hard for her family to have what she did not. “Mom worked hard all her life,” said Cora's children. However, perhaps Cora's greatest legacy is the love she has for her family, friends, community and, above all, her Lord. Cora's daughters remember, when they were growing up, sitting beside Cora at the piano and singing “Beulah Land.” The chorus of Beulah Land says, “Beulah Land I'm longing for you, and some day on thee I'll stand. There my home shall be eternal...” The lyrics speak true to Cora's life, for she has no doubt where she will stand one day; she continues to fight the good fight, live her life with the same strength instilled in her at birth and, most importantly, point her family towards Jesus.