MANSFIELD – If you ask the children of Oleeta McClurg, the secret to her living more than a century lies in scripture.
A passage in Exodus 20:12 reads, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Growing up on Haring Road in Mansfield, Oleeta’s oldest son John Owens recalls his mother caring for his grandmother as she was dying of cancer.
“I can remember growing up when my mom took in her mother to our home when she needed that,” Owens said. “I believe that’s one of the reasons she’s lived so long.”
Oleeta celebrated her 102nd birthday on Friday at Mansfield Memorial Homes, surrounded by her family and friends. According to Brittany Breneman, activity director at Mansfield Memorial, Oleeta is the home’s oldest resident.
“She loves gospel music and coming to church, and she can still dance,” Breneman said with a laugh. “She’s just a wonderful, beautiful person.”
Oleeta McClurg was born on March 30, 1916. Woodrow Wilson was president and America was a year away from entering World War I. Film icon Charlie Chaplin was the highest paid filmmaker in America. Weeghman Park, now known as Wrigley Field, officially opened in Chicago. Coca-Cola introduced its current formula for the first time.
Love of the Lord was something Oleeta instilled in her children from the very beginning. She carried each of her five babies into Grace Brethren Church on Marion Avenue to make their commitments to the Lord.
The lessons stuck – Owens has been a pastor for 47 years, and Oleeta’s youngest daughter, Andrea Schroeder, married Rev. Melvin Schroeder of Diamond Hill Cathedral on Tingley Avenue.
“The one thing all of us agree on and the reason I appreciate my mom so much, not only was she a good mother but she made sure we heard the truth about Jesus,” Owens said.
Owens and his wife Lou Ann visit Oleeta every month, and on Friday brought with them Oleeta’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each enjoyed a piece of chocolate cake with the matriarch of the family.
These days, Owens says Oleeta’s memory comes and goes. But her faith remains strong.
“It’s really a wonderful thing when you die and you know what the promise is, to be in the presence of the Lord, and I’ve heard mom even say that,” Owens said.
In the meantime, Oleeta continues to dance through life – even breaking out a few moves at her birthday party on Friday.
“Every year given to us is an opportunity, and you should celebrate your life,” Breneman said.
