Sayre Christian Village Resident Celebrates 100 Years of Faith, Family, and Joy

At Sayre Christian Village, we have the privilege of celebrating many special milestones with our residents, but few are as remarkable as a 100th birthday. On July 27, our community came together to honor resident Gilbert “G.B.” Jones as he celebrated an incredible century of life surrounded by family, friends, fellow residents, and staff.

The celebration was so special that it was featured by LEX 18 News, helping share G.B.’s inspiring story with viewers across Central Kentucky.

Watch the LEX 18 feature below to see highlights from G.B.’s 100th birthday celebration and hear his inspiring words firsthand.

A Life Well Lived

Born in 1926 in Bath County, Kentucky, G.B. spent most of his life in Mount Sterling and worked as a tool and die maker for Bundy Tubing in Cynthiana. He proudly served in the military during World War II, including two years stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.

In 1951, he married the love of his life, Hazel. The couple shared an extraordinary 73 years of marriage before her passing in 2024.

When asked about the secret to their lasting marriage, G.B. smiled and said:

“We got along. We made decisions together… and we didn’t demand too much.”

The Secret to a Long Life

During his interview with LEX 18, G.B. was asked what advice he had for living to 100 years old. His answer reflected the values that have guided his life:

“A lot of clean living and going to church.”

His faith has remained a constant throughout his life, and he humbly credits God for the many blessings he has received.

“The good Lord has taken care of me, I suppose.”

A Celebration Fit for a Centenarian

Our Friendship Towers Event Center was filled with laughter, music, birthday cake, and hundreds of birthday cards as residents, staff, and loved ones gathered to celebrate.

The special day included:

• A proclamation from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton honoring G.B.’s 100th birthday.
• A personal congratulatory letter from Governor Andy Beshear.
• A fun birthday toast from fellow Kentucky centenarian Ale-8-One, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
• The company of G.B.’s son, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

What G.B. expected to be “a little party” became something much bigger.

“Oh gosh, I can’t get over it. They said we’re gonna have a little party. Well, we’ve had more than a little party.”

A Very Special Resident

Sayre Christian Village CEO Karen Venis reflected on what made the celebration so meaningful.

“He is a very special, special person. It is a very special moment when somebody has a centennial birthday.”

Everyone who knows G.B. would agree. His kindness, humor, humility, and unwavering faith have made a lasting impact on our community.

Honored to Celebrate Together

At Sayre Christian Village, moments like these remind us why community matters. Celebrating milestones alongside residents and their families creates memories that will be cherished for years to come.

G.B. continues to enjoy singing, working jigsaw puzzles, spending time with family, and never missing a game of Bingo. His story is a beautiful reminder that a life rooted in faith, love, and service can leave an extraordinary legacy.

We are grateful to LEX 18 for helping share G.B.’s remarkable journey and this unforgettable celebration with the entire Bluegrass community.

Happy 100th Birthday, G.B.! Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your faith, and your joyful spirit with all of us at Sayre Christian Village.