Thelma Stukes celebrated her 100th birthday at the Chelsea At Bridgewater, 680 US Route 202/206 North, surrounded by friends and staff.

Ms. Stukes was born and raised in Mississippi in 1912, spending her formative years working on her parents' farm in Jackson.

"We didn't know we were poor," she said. "We had everything. We grew all our own crops, cattle, chickens."

At age 19, she moved to Somerville, NJ, to live with her sister and resided there for many years. Along the way, Ms. Stukes was employed as a lab technician and a home health aide.

She also traveled around the world. "Australia and New Zealand were very memorable," she said.

Ms. Stukes has outlived her five siblings and is comfortable at the Chelsea. She credits her longevity to working hard on her family's farm in her youth and remaining active throughout her life.