On Sept. 29, Rosa Nell Blanton, of Cumberland County, turned 101.  A native of Cumberland for most of her life, she is the 11th child of the late Phillip and Suzanna (Patterson) Gary and wife of the late Abraham Lincoln Blanton.
On her birthday family and friends celebrated with her at her home, and on that chilly rainy Saturday she went with her family to Applebee’s for her birthday luncheon. At 101, she had an appetizer, entrée and yes, a dessert.
Mrs. Blanton will tell you “My journey has been long but blessed, and it is all because of God’s grace and mercy.”  She will also tell you that God blessed her with nine good children: Rev. Lucille Maddox, Arverne, N.Y., Susie Sanderson (John) Henirco, Lewis Blanton (deceased), Delsia Blanton, Farmville, Angela McCorkle, Jamaica, N.Y., Admus Gary Blanton, Farmville, Alice Hamlett, Midlothian, Minister Silas Blanton (Tonya) Farmville, Gloria Vincent (Lawrence) Hurdle Mills, N.C., and Curtis B›Lanton (Jennifer) Baltimore, Md.  She has 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.