Silver-haired Nelle Morgan relaxes in a chair in her spacious living room as she talks about her birthday.

“I can’t believe I am 100 years of age,” she said. “I never thought I would live this long.”

Morgan was born in Rockmart on Feb. 17, 1913 to Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Andrews.

She attributes her long life to eating healthy, especially vegetables. She also likes sweets but has to avoid chocolate since she is allergic to this favorite food.

“I like to ride,” she said. “The world is a beautiful place.”

Her blue eyes twinkle as she touches her sweater and talks about her childhood filled with happy and challenging times.

“In those days, parents were more aware of what you were doing,” she laughed.

“Teens quickly learned the things that were appropriate and those that were not.”

She married Ralph E. Morgan on Jan. 1, 1937 and their son, Ralph, Jr. was born in 1945 as “the big war” ended.

Morgan recalled that her husband was involved in World War II and how she went to be with him in Norfolk, Va. before the birth of her child.

A former music teacher, she gave lessons to more than 400 people. They still visit her during special events.

One of her happy memories was when her students honored her at a recital on May 24, 1981. Today, they call her and tell her they are using the knowledge she gave them. Some are also teaching and others playing in church.

“When I started, we did not have anyone here to teach music,” she said. “I was encouraged and inspired by Lenora Mintz. She was always thinking of others and noted that the children needed someone to teach them.”

Even after she officially retired from teaching music, she still tried to help those she taught. However, Morgan said she informed her last student that – at age 93 – she felt it was time for other professionals to give lessons.

“I am not rich in material things,” she said, but God has given me something much greater – friends.”