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On March 4, 1949, Ella Barney was celebrated by her family as she turned 18.

That 18-year-old girl could never dream what her future would hold. She would be married for (and unfortunately widowed after) 61 years of marriage to Norman “Popeye” Smith.  They would have four children and five grandchildren.

Fast forward 81 years to March 2, 2021 and that girl, Ella Barney Smith, would be celebrated by her family as she turned 90 years old.

A party was given in her honor at Kent’s Kitchen. Attending were her children: Dwayne Smith, Shanda Smith, Vanessa and Billy Carter, and Taran Smith. After the meal, presents were opened and a cake was served to the birthday party and staff, who were most attentive to the guest of honor.

“We feel blessed to have our Godly mother/grandmother to celebrate. She has been a blessing to so many people – family, friends, neighbors, and church family,” said Shanda Smith for the family.

This is not the first time she has been featured in the newspaper for her birthday. The following is from the March 11, 1949 issue of the Mocksville Enterprise:

“Miss Ava Barney and Mrs. Brady Barney entertained their sister, Ella Barney, at a surprise birthday party Friday night, March 4. Several games were played and prizes were awarded to Edna Allen, Hannah Jones and Billy Green Hendrix.

Refreshments were served to: Ella Barney, Bertha Carter, Alma Barney, Frances Myers, Margaret Yates, Dot Potts, Edna Allen, Hazel Allen, Hannah Jones, Evelyn Hendrix, Dot Hendrix, Ann Hendrix, LaVerne Hendrix, Sarah Hendrix, Gladys Foster, Colean Foster, Kathleen Foster, Bertha Joyner, Nancy Melton, Roena Williams, Ivy Nell Chaplin, Barbara Ridenhour, Lucy Barney, Ava Barney, Mattie Barney, Calra Barney, Calvin Barney, Graham Hendrix, George Smith, Coolidge Stanley, Tony Barney, Monticello Hendrix, Johnny Hendrix, Jack Wright, Claude McNeil, Gene Wyatt, Garlen Bowens, Tommy Hendrix, Arnold Chaplin, Brady Barney and George Barney.