Timpson resident celebrates 100 years young

Annie Jane Yarbrough of Timpson celebrated her 100th birthday Monday, May 8, 2023. But family and friends gathered at the Timpson Community House Saturday, May 6 for birthday festivities with Timpson Mayor Debra Smith presenting her a plaque on the behalf of City of Timpson.

Annie Jane Yarbrough was born on May 8, 1923, in Nacogdoches County to the late Henry "Monk" Randle and the late Robbie Hunt. She was married to Oscar Yarbrough in May of 1941, and together they had 11 children, seven girls and four boys. Annie Jane and her family moved to the Stockman area near Timpson with her husband in 1950 as sharecroppers picking cotton. She and her husband liked Timpson and decided to stay.

They later moved into the city limits of Timpson where Annie Jane worked at Young's Motel as a cook for a short while. She was later employed by the Timpson ISD as a cafeteria worker for about 11 to 12 years, and worked with Bill Taylor and his family for more than 32 years before she retired.

Her community work included serving as a member of the Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer in several civic clubs and school activities. Annie was also a member of the Sunset Royal Grand Chapter of Eastern Star in 1970 and a current member of Antioch Baptist Church in Timpson where she has assisted with many church activities. Annie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and she loves putting puzzles together. During Annie Jane's time, Warren G. Harding was the 29th President of the United States, and she has lived through 17 Presidential Elections. She was not allowed to vote, however, until she was 42 years old when on August 06, 1965, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Annie Jane has 11 children, 37 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, 44 great-great grandchildren, 4 great-great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great-great-great grandchild.

Family and friends of Annie Jane Yarbrough of Timpson helped her celebrate 100 years with a party at the Timpson Community House Saturday, May 6. (Leon Aldridge photos/The Light and Champion)