At 96 years old, Joanne Joyce Knight was honored as the oldest female senior at this year’s Senior Recognition ceremony presented by President Leslie Louis on Wednesday evening in Stuart Auditorium. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Ms. Knight’s life has been defined by her commitment to healthcare, her family, and her love for travel and learning.
After graduating from the Fletcher School of Nursing in Roebuck, Birmingham, Ms. Knight devoted her career to caring for others as a cardiac intensive care nurse. As a Seventh-day Adventist, she has instilled strong values in her two children, who are now 68 and 71 years old. Her family has expanded to include five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Ms. Knight’s passion for adventure has taken her to various places around the world, including the Holy Land, Africa, and Europe, enriching her life with countless stories and memories. Since 2000, Ms. Knight has been a beloved attendee of our camp meeting. Despite her advanced age, she remains an enthusiastic reader and has recently added several books from the ACBC bookstore to her collection.
Harry Robert Gadd, aged 95, was also honored as the oldest male senior this year. Born on March 3, 1929, Harry has been a familiar face at camp meetings since the 1960s, making him a cherished member of our conference.
Although there may be some moments that time have gently blurred in his recollection, Harry vividly recalls one of his best memories from camp meetings: the visit from the Malashenko family. Harry’s appreciation for camp meetings goes beyond individual memories. Camp meetings have been a significant part of his life for decades, embodying the warmth and camaraderie that our annual event is known for.
As we honored Joanne Joyce Knight and Harry Robert Gadd, we celebrate the longevity and dedication to our community of all of our seniors, and their collection of life stories that serve as an inspiration for all.
—Clarissa Rosario and Christopher C. Thompson
photos by Courtney Herod
Comments