“Just living and trying to do the right thing”: Pocomoke woman celebrates her 100th birthday with car parade

POCOMOKE, Md.- Saturday was a special day for Louvenia Phillips,  as she got the surprise of a lifetime for her 100th birthday.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen, and it was all a surprise to me, and Iwas just sitting here in shock,” Louvenia Phillips said.

Friends and family said Lou has been an active part of her community for years, from being involved in her church to working at the Shore Up Head Start in Stockton.

Liz Phillips, Lou’s daughter, knew she wanted to honor her mom’s accomplishments and give her a memorable 100th birthday.

“I started planning for this last year and then the pandemic hit and then we had to shift and do something different,” Liz said.

But the pandemic wasn’t going to stop her.

With the help of the community and family, they gave Lou a celebration she won’t ever forget, a massive drive-thru parade.

“We definitely had to come up with something else to honor her, I mean people don’t live to see 100, and I think she’s one of the oldest people here in this city,” Minister James Layne, her grandson, said.

The parade turned out to be a success as hundred of cars, a marching band, and leaders from the community came together to show how grateful they are for Lou.

“I appreciate everything she’s ever done and I’m just so happy shes made it to 100,” Desiree Purnell, a friend, said.

“It is a blessing, to see anyone live to get 100-years-old in this day in time is truly a blessing, and she must have did something right,” Desiree Purnell, said.

Lou agreed the parade was a success, so much so, she was left speechless.

“I don’t know what to say, I really don’t cause I’ll tell you what, I’m surprised all over the place,” Lou said.

And when we asked Lou and her daughter what they think Lou’s secret is to living to 100 years old, this is what they said.

“Just living and trying to do the right thing,” Lou said.

“Speaks her mind, she does eat right, and you know shes a god fearing woman,  and her faith keeps her grounded and keeps her strong and keeps her youthful,” Liz said.

We are told Crystal Brinson of Extraordinary Fierce Creations by Crystal did the decorations in front of the home.