It’s not everyday someone turns 100, yet for one Sylacauga woman, that milestone became a reality on Tuesday.

Mary Wilma Thompson, a long-term Sylacauga resident and employee at the Coosa Valley Medical Center, celebrated her 100th birthday in style at the CVMC’s transitional care unit among friends and family.

 Thompson, who served over 50 years in the nursing field, was a long-time registered nurse at the medical center and was also a nursing instructor, training generations of nurses in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology.

L.C. Thompson, Marys brother, was in attendance for his sister’s birthday Tuesday. An Alabama resident, he makes a monthly trip to look out for his sister, making sure her bills are paid and that she has everything she needs for the next month.

 Thompson said he was thrilled that the hospital where his sister worked for so much of her life was able to celebrate her life. For someone who not only took care of thousands of patients but her own parents as well, it was more than deserved.

“It’s a real special occassion”, he said “She’s been fighting long enough to be able to reach this today. We’re real proud of her. They’ve been so good for her. She taught here for several years. They’re just so sweet to her.”

Edith Thompson Romano, Mary and L.C.’s niece, shared her uncles sentiments on what Mary means to their family, as well as the Sylacauga community.

“I just appreciate the hospital celebrating her here”, Romano said. “That is special. We appreciate the kindness to all the nurses and doctors here who made this special for her.”