Century Club Nominations

In Memphis, we believe in honoring the people who helped build the foundation we’re standing on today. That’s what the Century Club of Memphis is all about — celebrating residents who have reached 100 years or more and recognizing the lives they’ve lived and the legacy they’ve created.

Each member of the Century Club receives a personal letter from the Mayor and a commemorative certificate recognizing their milestone birthday and lasting contributions to our city. Our Centenarians are living history. They’ve seen Memphis grow, change, and rise — and their stories remind us of who we are and how far we’ve come.

The Century Club of Memphis is open to residents of Memphis and surrounding communities in West Tennessee.If you know someone who’s reached 100 or more, we want to celebrate them. Click below to request a certificate and help us honor the remarkable lives that continue to shape our city. This is what community looks like. This is our Era of Yes.

Please ensure nominations are made within 60 days of the nominee’s birthday, or at any time if the nominee is age 100+.

MEET CENTURY CLUB MEMBERS

Opal Hill

Known as "Auntie Opal" to most of her surviving relatives, Opal Hill takes pride in being an optimist, independent, and energetic centenarian....

Wylie Harris

Rev. Dr. Wylie Harris has dedicated his life to serving God, his family, and his community. Answering the call to ministry in the 1970s.......

Dr. Peggy Jemison Bodine

Dr. Peggy Jemison Bodine raised three children in Memphis before returning ....

Mr. Early Taylor

Mr. Early Taylor’s life has been defined by valor, faith, and family. His 27-year military career took him across the globe ....

Martha McAnespie

A distinguished centenarian, has lived a remarkable life defined by unwavering faith, personal strength, and a deep love for her community....

Sarah Seymour

Sarah finds joy in simple, meaningful moments—watching her favorite television shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and Criminal Minds with a cold glass of Kool-Aid by her side, often sharing her snacks....

Ollie Mae Brown

Ollie Mae Brown served with the Memphis Police Department as a dedicated crossing guard for 17 years, faithfully assisting students and families in navigating the busy intersection near South Side High School....

Clara Tragesser

Clara Tragesser continues to inspire everyone who knows her. Known for her thoughtfulness, she never misses an opportunity to brighten someone’s day with a handwritten card for every....

Joannie Graham

Ms. Joannie Graham loves to sew. She attributes her long life to her belief in God and her hard work. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in life? I’ve learned how to survive, how to live for God, and..

Eddie Mae Blackwell

Eddie Mae Blackwell has spent her life believing in connection, kindness, and community. She enjoys talking, walking, and being friendly with the people around her.

Bernice Boone

Interests and Hobbies: She loves watching Perry Mason. Advice to others: Stay prayed up and God first What habits keep her young? Keep God first in everything you do and do the right thing. Love everybody.

Flavos Criswell

Interests and Hobbies Reading, Family, History, Outdoorsman Advice to others: Live life to the fullest What do you attribute to your long life? Exercise and relevance from daily reading.

Anna Scheef Barker

Anna Scheef Barker was a proud Navy wife for 21 years, supporting her family through a life of service and dedication. She is a devoted member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church and values faith and community.

Frances Walker

Frances Walker enjoys shopping, wearing heels, reading, and trying new foods. She values independence and confidence, and her advice to others is simple and direct: mind your own business.

Cora Lee Johnson

Mrs. Cora Lee Johnson, born in Nesbit, Mississippi. She married Levie Johnson on January 14, 1940. In 1943, the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she devoted her life to raising their children.

Betty Blythe

Betty Blythe radiates wisdom, warmth, and joy, offering a life philosophy shaped by a century of experience. Reflecting on her long life, she says, “You are as young as you feel,” a motto she has lived by every day.

Clyde Victoria Staples

What's the most important lesson you learned in life? The importance of keeping your thoughts to yourself. What's your favorite memory from your childhood? My close relationship with my mother and with my cousin, Minnie.

Laura Neal

Advice to others: Live free, work smart, save money, stay positive What do you attribute to your long life? Family

Lela Mae Jacobs

Advice to others: Take life one day at a time What to you attribute to your long life? Eating healthy and our Father who art in heaven.

Lurean Woodley

What’s the most important lesson you learned in life? The most important lessons I’ve learned in life is to treat others the way you want to be treated.

MY MEMPHIS