Mt. Vernon woman, Bel Oak resident celebrates 102 years

Helen Secrest recognized by nursing home staff with birthday party at Mt. Vernon facility
 
A Mt. Vernon resident celebrated her 102nd birthday on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Bel Oak of Mt. Vernon. The birthday girl, Helen Secrest, has only recently moved into the nursing home formerly known as Mt. Vernon Place Care Center, and remains surrounded by family as she has been her whole life.
Born in 1924, Secrest surpassed the century mark years ago. Originally from Fort Scott, Kan., she worked in the Key clothing factory in her hometown, contributing for more than 40 years. She and her husband were deeply involved in the church.
In an interview, Secrest didn’t speak much about her past, but granddaughter Terri Manley said that she was the oldest of her siblings by more than seven years and spent much of her early years babysitting. This would set the tone for the rest of her life, as she was always around family. Manley noted that Secrest was one of her best friends, often showing up at her college dorm to tidy up and fold her laundry. This relationship continued well into recent memory; Manley recalled the many nights that she and Secrest would stay up well into the evening talking about nothing in particular.
She lived on her own until two years ago, said Manley, retaining her independence for almost a century. Secrest suffered a fall, however, in January of 2024; after this, she was moved into Manley’s apartment for a short time. She then moved into the nursing home. Despite having multiple falls, Secrest has never suffered a serious fracture in any bones, said Manley. “She’s like a Timex; she takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
The nursing home celebrated her 102nd year with cake, ice cream and punch while an Elvis impersonator serenaded her. Many residents of the nursing home made it to the celebration in addition to an impressive showing of family. With Secrest, the family boasts five living generations of women.
When asked for her secret for such a long life, Secrest responded, “I don’t know, I’m just living.”