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Story Archives: Ivye Wink still shines at age 103


Ivye Wink still shines at age 103
by Scott Rogers - posted Friday, May 16th, 2008 @ 11:16 amE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
While rain poured steadily outside The Arbor House in West Monroe Wednesday, inside, dozens of faces shined with joy as Ivye Wink celebrated her 103rd birthday.

Wink was born May 14, 1905, in southern Ouachita Parish not far from what is now called Jonesboro Road.

She grew up picking cotton, hulling peas and helping anyway she could on her father's farm.

Today, she tries to stay just as active, which she says is the reason for her good health.

"I feel good because my health is good, and it doesn't bother me one bit to be 103, as long as I'm well and healthy," Wink said. "I've always tried to stay busy and do what I could for others.

"I try not to depend on my children too much, and do what I can myself," Wink continued. "I do my own laundry and make my own bed when home help is not here. I always try to walk around the halls at least four times a day."

Wink has been a resident at The Arbor House for the past seven years. She says she has enjoyed her new home and the activities she participates in throughout the week.

The first morning in her new home, she woke up and made breakfast for herself. She got ready to eat it and then had a sudden revelation.

"Now why in the world am I doing this?" Wink said. "I don't have to cook anymore, clean dishes or scrub the floors. I can just relax and read."

She's decided to keep this lifestyle since that day.

Church has always been a big part of her life.

Wink rarely misses a Wednesday Sunday school class or Sunday sermon at the Arbor House.

She started going to First Baptist Church (First West) in West Monroe in 1933.

"I helped build that church," she said proudly, sitting in her recliner inside her room at the Arbor House.

Christian books she recently read sit neatly on her bookshelf near the television, which she hardly ever turns on.

"I just love to read," she said.

Much has taken place in her 103 years, but she has always maintained an attitude that she credits for getting her this far in life:

"I think the best thing to do is stay active and don't worry about every little thing," Wink said. "Also, spend as much time as you can in Sunday school and church. Believe me, during your life you will go through struggles, hurts and disappointments, but you always have to keep on."

At her birthday celebration Wednesday, Wink was joined by numerous friends and family, including son Julius and his wife Loretta Wink. Her other son, J.D. Wink, lives in North Carolina.

They enjoyed cake and punch but no presents.

Julius Wink just laughed when asked about the reason for no presents.

"You know, just what do you get a woman who's 103?"
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