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Margaret Forney celebrated her 102nd birthday on July 27. She was born in 1924, right in the middle of America's Jazz Age. Margaret has lived a life full of love. She moves a bit more slowly these days, but she continues to inspire family, friends, and caregivers who surround her.
Margaret is the daughter of John and Pearl Forney. They lived in the New Hope neighborhood of Rutherfordton. For the past 20 years she has been living at Willow Ridge Rehab and Living Center, near Rutherford Regional Hospital, about three miles from her old neighborhood.
Margaret was an academically gifted student, and attended the segregated New Hope School. She graduated as valedictorian, and moved to Greensboro where she attended North Carolina A and T University.
She later returned home, and raised two sons as a single mother. Margaret also had health concerns related to seizures and for that reason never was able to obtain a driver's license. But, she raised her sons, and cared for her parents as they aged, and was highly respected in her community.
Both of Margaret's sons are now deceased. She also has five grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
Donnie Hines is an extended family member by marriage, and remains close to Margaret.
"When she was in her 80s, she broke her ankle. She was then living with a younger brother," Donnie said. "At that time, Margaret needed additional care and rehabilitation, and doctors recommended she move to the care center."
Margaret is a woman of great faith, and was an active member of St. John AME Zion Church, located in the New Hope community.
"Up until about five years ago, she was still reading her large-print Bible," Donnie said. "She loves her Bible, and often taught Sunday School and led other classes at church."
Margaret also enjoys singing. A favorite hymn is "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine."
Donnie said her family and friends see Margaret as a source of inspiration.
According to Donnie, a phrase Margaret would often say, is "Our father in heaven knows what's best."
Even though Margaret is now frail, has some difficulty communicating and her hearing isn't great, Donnie says "...Her spirit is still here. And we love her. She still offers a warm, loving smile."
Derrick Hale is one of Margaret's hospice caregivers, and has grown especially close to her.
"I first met Ms. Forney when I started assisting with managing her care," Derrick said. "We were introduced through my work at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, about two years ago."
"From the moment we met, there was an immediate connection," Derrick continued. "Working alongside her over these years hasn't felt like standard caregiving. It quickly evolved into a deep mutual respect, and partnership."
Derrick says their bond has taught him "...the true meaning of presence, and patience."
"In our fast-paced world, we are always rushing to the next thing. Ms. Forney operates on a different, more beautiful timeline," Derrick stated. "She has taught me to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to find immense joy in the smallest things like a good cup of coffee, a sunny afternoon sitting by the window, or just a quiet moment of silence together."
Derrick says Margaret inspires him every day.
"Being around someone who has lived over a century gives you a completely different perspective on life's daily stresses," Derrick said. "I've learned from her, how to focus on what truly matters in the moment rather than getting caught up in small disruptions. She carries a quiet grace."
The friendship between Derrick and Margaret, is perhaps an unlikely one.
"When you look at us on paper, society might see two people from completely different worlds, generations, and racial backgrounds," Derrick concedes. "Caring for someone born in the 1920s means supporting a person who lived through Jim Crow, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. History stops being an abstract textbook and becomes a lived reality expressed in memories, instincts, and quiet resilience."
Derrick believes meeting the physical needs of a hospice patient requires mutual trust, respect and humility.
"Trust isn't given automatically because of your role. It is earned daily through that steady respect," Derrick added. "I am so very grateful for the opportunity to work with not only an amazing lady, but an amazing family."
Beginning when she was in her 90s, Margaret would be asked about any secrets to longevity.
She would smile and say, "I've done the best I could."
