‘Mother to Her Neighborhood’

Published 12:00 am Monday, September 17, 2007

Luling Living Center woman, now 101, spent life helping other kids

By JOHN HOWARD

Staff Reporter

LULING-&#8220Mother to her Neighborhood,” Ada Wilson celebrated her 101st birthday last Friday, September 7. Although she was never blessed with children of her own, she was a loving mother and role model to many members of her community, her family said.

The Brusly native lived most of her life in the Holly Grove area of New Orleans and provided a loving environment for all members of her community.

&#8220She knew me before I knew me. I can truly say that every one of the kids in the neighborhood loved her,” said Donald Diggs, who grew up next door to Wilson. &#8220I’m glad to have her in my life. We are blessed to have her.”

She is recognized as a great cook (even late into her 90s) and as a firm believer in education, she provided free room and board for many children and family members of the neighborhood while they pursued their educations.

Wilson was one of the nicest, active members in her community according to her Goddaughter Diana Diggs.

&#8220She surrounds herself with good people and she loves the Lord,” said Minister Kerri Eugene.

Several family members, nieces, great grandchildren, godchildren and cousins attended the birthday celebration at the Luling Living Center.

The celebration opened with a prayer by Eugene followed by the singing of the gospel hymn, &#8220To God be the Glory” and &#8220Happy Birthday” performed by Marilyn Jackson, a regular visitor of the center.

Betty Jackson of the Luling Living Center as well as family and friends of Wilson coordinated the event which featured balloons, banners, all kinds of food and of course a big birthday cake.

During the party, Administer of the Living Center Mike Guillera presented Wilson with a certificate from President George W. Bush wishing her a happy birthday and saying that her generation has contributed to the character and strength of the nation.

Guillera said that one of the main goals at the facility is to make sure that their patients are happy, and said that Wilson seems happy.

&#8220One thing that we [the staff] try to look at is to see who’s happy,” said Guillera. &#8220She always has a smile on her face and that’s important for us. She doesn’t say a lot but facial expressions mean a lot to us.”

Wilson remained physically active well into her late 90s until she broke her hip. After that, she lived in New Orleans Crescent City Health Care. She survived Hurricane Katrina and was temporarily transported to a facility in Shreveport.

Wilson’s niece Lois Evans said that she was familiar with the Luling area and she decided to move Wilson to the Luling Living Center.

According to nurses and attendants at the Living Center, Wilson cannot walk, but that has not hindered her participation in various activities at the Living Center. She gets around in a Geri-chair and is alert and able to speak clearly.