Mary Jane Wilson traveled from Watkinsville, Ga., to celebrate her 102nd birthday in Jefferson. She stayed at the Excelsior House Hotel. This delightful lady shared her beauty secrets – “laughter and friendship” and her advice for living a long life — “If you don’t like the path you are on, change to the other side”. Joining her on her trip to Jefferson were family members Alan & Sylvia Wilson, Stephen & Peggy Wilson, John Elancy & Julie Wilson, Bart & Marty Ledenham and great grandson Pietro Ledenham who traveled from Italy for the celebration. Sunday the family joined her at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she received another welcome and a blessing from the priest.
When asked, her son said there were no ties to Jefferson, she just picked Jefferson for her birthday celebration. But there is a Jefferson connection: Liz Opiela recognized her name and asked where she lived in Dallas. She stills lives on University Drive where she raised all her children. As it turns out Liz grew up on that same street and Mary Jane would drive her home from school.
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