Dorothy Brake, Barren County Nursing & Rehabilitation resident, turns 100

GLASGOW, Ky. – A Barren County Nursing and Rehabilitation resident is celebrating a huge milestone: her 100th birthday.

Growing up in Cumberland County, life was not easy for her.

“She lived through the depression, she lived through World War II… she married her sweetheart who went to war,” her daughter, Donita Estes, said. “He died in 1980… so she was a widow. She’s been a strong woman.”

Some of her friends at South Green Street Church of Christ were also on hand to celebrate – sharing stories of how she impacted them.

“We enjoyed her and still enjoy visiting her even here at the nursing home,” Darryl Pitcock said.

Allen Jones said it was her character that drew the two together as friends.

“I’ve known her in such a way because of her sweet attitude, wonderful personality… and you look around and see that her impact has been felt, not only in our community, but in our family and this facility by the number of people that are here today,” Jones said.

Her grandson also shared how great Dorothy has been as his granny.

“She’s been my biggest cheerleader my whole life,” John Alan Estes said. “Listening to all of her stories from when she grew up, the influence that she’s had on our family and how great of a show of love and person that she is to all people. She’s been the matriarch of our family for many years, and we love her dearly.”

He is also grateful to the community for showing up to celebrate his Gigi.

“Not a lot of people meet this milestone… so it’s really respectable that they took time out of their busy schedule to come and let our granny, as we call her, our Gigi, let her know that she’s appreciated and she’s looked up to, and she will be remembered for reaching this milestone,” Estes said.