COLQUITT COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Life moved at a slower pace 111 years ago, but the demands upon families to make a living and take care of their children weighed just as heavily as today.

Woodrow Wilson served as the nation’s president as the second year of World War I continued.

South Georgia farms relied on mules and plows to tend farms.

Most of the roads in the area were not paved, and a good many South Georgia homes lacked the conveniences of electricity, indoor plumbing and telephones.

Against the backdrop of a nation working to embrace the emerging technologies of the industrial revolution, Lenora Ophelia Stanaland Alligood entered the world on May 29, 1915, in Colquitt County, the same area where she still resides with several generations of her family at her side.

A few day ago, the super-centenarian celebrated her 111th birthday surrounded by a host of family and friends. During her birthday celebration on May 29, 2026, Governor Brian Kemp called Mrs. Ophelia, as most people know her, to wish her a happy birthday and a prosperous year.

At 111 years-young, Mrs. Ophelia thrives, living life to its fullest. One of her favorite things to do is spend time with her family and friends.

On Sunday afternoons, Mrs. Ophelia and her grown up grandchildren usually watch cooking shows and cowboy movies.

She also enjoys making her great-great-grandchildren laugh. Though the years have taken a toll on her eyesight and hearing, her loved ones marvel at her ability to recall events that happened 100 years ago, the clever responses she offers or the funny stories she tells.

Church continues to be a big part of Mrs. Ophelia’s life. She’s an active member of New Bethel Baptist Church that she attended since accepting Christ and being baptized in September 1939.

Mrs. Ophelia was the 13th child of Sam and Annie Stanaland, born in Colquitt County.

Her teachers considered Mrs. Ophelia a good student. She attended the two-room New Bethel School where she excelled in reading. It became a lifelong hobby she embraced, reading the Bible and the newspaper each day until her eyesight worsened a few years ago.

In 1936, Mrs. Ophelia married J.D. Alligood. Over the years, they would welcome three children: Carolyn, Stan and Ronnie. Mrs. Ophelia and Mr. J.D. remained married for 64 years until his death in 2001.

Mrs. Ophelia has always been respected as one of the best cooks in the county. She’s known for her famous fried chicken and delicious cakes. Mrs. Ophelia worked in the kitchen of Hamilton Elementary School until retirement.

Mrs. Ophelia has seen a lot over the years. For example, she remembers the first car to drive down Lower Meigs Road in Colquitt County.

Mrs. Ophelia’s family believes her laughter has kept her young.

But that’s not her only secret to longevity, if you ask those who know her, they say Mrs. Ophelia’s boundless kindness, loving spirit and faith in God have helped keep her in good health for over a century now and as she enjoys the years to come.

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