When Mary Martha Thompson was born in October 1918, World War I was coming to an end, Woodrow Wilson was President, a loaf of bread cost 5 cents, and the average household income was just over a thousand dollars a year. At the Joshua Arms Senior Residence in Joliet where she now lives, Mrs. Thompson attributed her long life to devotion to her family and her love of God.

“There is no secret to my long life,” she told the celebration at the residence, which included a proclamation from the Joliet City Council and flowers from the Mayor of Joliet. “To God be the glory.”

To look at Mrs. Thompson, no one would believe her age. “She walks downstairs every day for her meals, and she pretty much takes care of herself in her own apartment.”  Staff members are available to assist residents, if needed, explained Glenda McCullum, Marketing Coordinator, “but Mrs. Thompson gets around every day on her own.”

Mrs. Thompson is the oldest resident to ever live at Joshua Arms.

Nieces, nephews, and other family members were on hand to help her celebrate the momentous occasion. “Her mind is still very sharp,” said niece Therese Bell. According to Property Manage Mary Jenson, Mrs. Thompson is a fan of the game show: Jeopardy” and often shouts out the answers.

Born on a farm in Braidwood, IL. to Herbert and Ida Pinnick, she recalls the family traveling by horse and buggy. A graduate of Reed-Custer High School in 1937, Thompson was widowed twice. She had two children, a son, the late Minister Richard Thompson and a daughter, Tracy Thompson Lyles. She has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Family members say she is known for her kind demeanor and her warm smile. “When we were young, I remember her giving us all ice cream,” said great-niece Luann Pinnick. “She always had a smile in her voice.”

 Mrs. Thompson is still an active member of Mt. Ebal Baptist Church in Lockport.

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