Mary Lou Nicely, of Proctorville, turned 96 years old

CHESAPEAKE— The Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center celebrated its oldest member’s birthday this past Friday, as Mary Lou Nicely turned 96 years old.

Darlene Green, director of the senior center, said Nicely was a member of the original Sybene Senior Center and was one of the 10 brought over to the modular unit the center is currently at when it opened.

Nicely, who is from Washington County, said she has been in Lawrence County for about 30 years and currently lives in the new Proctor’s Landing senior living complex in Proctorville.

Nicely previously worked as a cook on an American Electric Power (AEP) riverboat for about 18 years on a 30 days on, 30 days off schedule.

She added that she enjoys walking, activities at the senior center such as arts and crafts, bingo and playing games, and still being able to drive locally to the senior center and her church, Abundant Life, in Proctorville. She said her favorite part about the Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center, however, is the fellowship it brings.

The center celebrated her birthday on Friday with a special gathering for lunch and cupcakes.

Green said Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Andy Ballard also got Nicely her own cupcakes for her birthday.

“She didn’t know about it,” Green said. “But we wanted to have this for her.”