Haynes was born one of three girls and moved to Springfield from Columbus in 1925. Growing up, Haynes said she never did anything unusual for her birthday, even though it only comes every four years.
“When I was growing up, we were very poor,” Haynes said. “We would have a birthday cake and ice cream — that was about it.”
Haynes said she remembers her father moving her family around a lot throughout her school-age years, causing her to attend eight different schools.
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“When I was 13-years-old I lived up on Middle Urbana Road and here I am almost 100 and I live on Middle Urbana Road now,” Haynes said.
After school, Haynes began working in a factory painting shells on a machine during World War II but stopped after she said she got poison on her arms from the oils. She then began working on steel products.
After the war, Haynes worked for 33 years as a billing clerk at Elliott until she retired in 1978.
“I never minded going to work,” Haynes said. “But, I never had a desire to go back.”
In 1964, Haynes met her husband Arthur, who died 10 years ago. Haynes said she was unable to have children but has “two wonderful stepsons and two wonderful daughters-in-law.”
In retirement, Haynes keeps busy with shopping, reading, cards, cornhole and spending time at the casino.
For her birthday, Haynes asked for two things — cards and a party.
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Northwood Assisted Living was happy to provide the party, receptionist Jenny Welliver said.
“Clara Belle is an awesome person. She comes down every day and talks to me,” Welliver said. “She’s just someone you enjoy being around all the time.”
At the party, held on Friday afternoon, Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center gave her 100 roses.
“She’s 100 and that’s an amazing accomplishment in and of itself,” said Frank Lewis, owner of Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center.
When asked what the secret to her long life is, Haynes said “I just took care of myself.”
Haynes’ health has been good, besides having open heart surgery at 94-years-old.
“God was watching over me and he still is,” Haynes said. “I had a pretty quiet life — a happy one.”
Residents who would like to send a birthday card to Haynes can send cards t0 Englewood Village, 3001 Middle Urbana Road, apartment 224 in Springfield.
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