WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

When a sheriff’s cruiser goes by your house with lights flashing and siren blaring, it isn’t usually good news. But when it heralds the birthday celebration of someone turning 103 years old, that’s something different!

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Mable Glenn was surprised when her great-granddaughter, LaShanda Ratliff, told her, “Granny, we’re going outside for a while,” and she wondered why.

That’s when the party started! Family, friends, neighbors – and yes, the sheriff – cruised by to blow their horns and wave happy birthday.

LaShanda has lived with her great-grandmother her whole life and is thankful she is able to care for Mrs. Glenn. A Winston-Salem native, Mrs. Glenn attended the 14th Street School, was married to Willie Glenn for over 60 years, and had two girls, JoAnne Lindsay and Barbara France, and two boys, Willie Glenn. Jr. and James Glenn (deceased). She also has 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. 

Mrs. Glenn worked for two years at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, until she participated in the union strike and lost her job. She also worked at Wachovia Bank in environmental services and the Forsyth County Health Department in the lab.

A resident of the Graham Avenue Community for over 64 years, Mrs. Glenn is also a long-time member of Mt. Zion  Baptist Church and watches the service online on her tablet. She participated in the Missionary committee, Sunday School and flower club. On her 90th birthday, Mrs. Glenn renewed her drivers license, but she no longer drives. 

LaShanda and her grandmother, JoAnne Lindsay, shared some special memories as they were talking about her recent birthday. “She baked a lot – pound cake with icing was her specialty,” said LaShanda. “People would call and order them. When her sons came home on leave, they would bring other guys with them to eat with her.” LaShanda did admit that her Granny also taught her how to bake her pound cakes, and she insists “No fingernail polish when cooking!”

Before her sight became limited, Mrs. Glenn also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She loved math and she especially loved to read. Her favorite TV program is “Family Feud.” She also loves to sing and her favorite spiritual is “Oh, Lord, I want you to help me, help me on my journey, help me on my way.” 

Mrs. Glenn was delighted by everyone who drove by or stopped by to wish her a happy birthday. And of course, no party is complete without birthday cake! It was a special celebration for a special woman who has spread love and joy for 103 years.

And as Mrs. Glenn often says, “God is good all the time, all the time God is good.”