Atlanta woman celebrates ‘blessing’ of 100th birthday

The celebration had social distancing measures in place.

Birthdays happen all the time, but it’s not every day that a centennial celebration takes place.

That was the case for Frances Thrasher, though. The Atlanta woman recently rang in her 100th birthday at A.G. Rhodes Atlanta, a senior care facility that Thrasher has been a resident in for around six years. The nonprofit announced the news in a press release marking Thrasher’s April 6 bash that had COVID-19 safety measures in place as the pandemic continues.

“With loved ones nearby, cake and a beautiful sash, Ms. Thrasher was surrounded by as much love as she could be amidst the pandemic,” the release said. “Ms. Thrasher called it a ‘blessing’ to see 100 years old.”

A large party couldn’t be held, but that didn’t stop A.G. Rhodes Atlanta Nursing Home from thinking outside the box so that Thrasher could have the celebration she deserved for her milestone birthday.

Creating a major gathering in a safe and small way, care partners decorated Thrasher’s door and placed a cart loaded with treats outside it. That way, residents could enjoy them while coming by and wishing the birthday girl a happy 100th. Staffing/hr coordinator Charelle Barber created a special sash to match Thrasher’s outfit and the corsage brought by her family.

Perhaps the icing on the cake was a special, socially distanced visit paid to Thrasher from her family, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

“I’m thankful for my family because they gave me the start in life that I think help me to live as long as I have lived,” said Thrasher, who was bestowed with gifts and lots of love as her family laughed and sang.

“We wish Ms. Thrasher many more blessings!” A.G. Rhodes said.

The senior care facility is one of the city’s oldest nonprofits, touted as being among the most trusted leaders in care for older adults.

“As a mission-driven organization, we are guided by what is best for our patients and residents. Their physical, social and psychological well-being is our chief concern and has been for more than 115 years,” A.G. Rhodes notes on its website. Within the last two years, all three locations — Atlanta, Cobb and Wesley Woods — have been accepted into the Eden Alternative Registry.

A.G. Rhodes is the first standalone nursing home organization in Georgia with the status.