Broken Arrow Woman Celebrates 105th Birthday

A Broken Arrow woman is celebrating her 105th birthday Monday, putting her into an exclusive club.

The Centenarians of Oklahoma Organization says about 300 people living in the state are 100 years or older. One of those people is living in Broken Arrow, and she's celebrating another birthday. Vera Lee Lawhorn had a birthday party Monday, surrounded by friends and family at The Village Care Center in Broken Arrow. She says she's turning 105 years old but quickly turned the questions to me.

"Isn't that pretty good? How old are you?" said Lawhorn.

Vera was surprised when I told her I was just 27, and even though she's lived decades longer than I have, she was modest about having such a long life.

"I don't know it just feels like me," said Lawhorn.

Vera lived on a farm most of her life, putting in hard work to raise 3 kids.

"I'm an old farm girl," she said.

Now she has 8 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Brian Sevier says he has fond memories of spending summers with his grandparents.

"Every time we would come in from a hunting trip or fishing trip, Granny was always there ready to take in what we killed or caught and fry it up for us, she was a really good cook, she was known for her fried chicken," said Brian.

He's happy to see her hit such a big milestone, if not a little surprised.

"She's been on hospice twice, I don't know how many people have done that, but she's pretty tough," she said.

The centenarians of Oklahoma were also there to celebrate with Vera, giving her the title of Golden Okie. They say when she turns 110 years old, she'll be considered a SuperCentenarian, and I told Vera I plan to be at that celebration too.