Rachell Davis Celebrates 100th Birthday With Caregiver Maria Rodriguez! Rachell Davis was losing the ability to hold a conversation, no longer able to care for herself, and approaching convalescence. Today she boasts a sense of independence, lives at home, and celebrates her 100th birthday thanks to caregiver, Maria Rodriguez! *** Born September 12, 1914, three years before the US entered World War I, and six years before the passage of the 19th Amendment recognized the equal voting rights of women, Oklahoma-born, Southland resident, Rachell Davis, celebrated her centennial in the City of Long Beach, surrounded by family, friends, and 75 members of the United Long Term Care Workers, the largest SEIU Local in the Golden State. At the ripe age of 100, Mrs. Davis, remains an avid bowling enthusiast. She began hammering the pocket and vanquishing splits in 1962. An all-star in numerous bowling leagues over the decades, she racked up 55 trophies and plaques, as well as two high-scoring jackets, until two hip replacements forced her to slow down. By her own admission, Mrs. Davis is “semi-retired,” but that doesn’t mean that she always shies away from the chance to show off her ability to dominate the lane, frame after frame. Known for being sharp as a tack, Mrs. Davis, like many older Americans, and others who grapple with limited mobility as a result of illness or injury, began to suffer a decline once her freedom of movement declined. The loss of her son, Paul, and her husband of 60 years, Virgil, also presented tremendous challenges, as grief and sadness of loss weighed heavy on her heart and mind as well. Fortunately, Mrs. Davis returned and remains in good health thanks to the love of her three daughters, Rosie, Vivian, Debra, and Cheryl, her deep and abiding faith in God, and the caregiving of In-Home Supportive Services provider, Maria Rodriguez. Although not a family member, Ms. Rodriguez’s bond with Mrs. Davis has been energizing and transformative. Mrs. Davis, who had begun to lose the ability to hold a conversation, and was no longer able to care for herself, could have found herself in a convalescent home. Instead, she is able to live in her own home. Mrs. Davis boasts a sense of independence thanks to Ms. Rodriguez, a skilled IHSS caregiver who attends to her physical and mental wellbeing, all while providing her with a safe home environment. Ms. Rodriguez, and her peers at ULTCW, made arrangements to celebrate Mrs. Davis’ birthday with the pomp and circumstance it deserved. ULTCW Secretary-Treasurer, Kim Evon, helped host Mrs. Davis’ 100th birthday party at the union’s Long Beach office. A well-attended affair populated by her family, friends, and 75 ULTCW members. Before being presented with a special cake decorated with a photo-portrait of her made of icing, Ms. Davis was surprised by Council Representative, Willie Jones, who presented her with an official certificate of commendation from the City of Compton. In an article published by the Women’s Senior League, Ms. Davis is quoted as saying, “I promised the Lord, if He kept me on my feet, I would stay in the streets telling His people about His son Jesus. I’m just a recycled teenager.” After ten decades of life, Mrs. Davis now relies on Ms. Rodriguez to stay on her feet, but true to her word, she remains a presence on the streets inspiring everyone she meets, from Long Beach to Compton and Gardena, where her daughters live, to Pasadena, where she continues to worship at Everlasting Gospel SDA Church.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:11:38 +0000
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