Homosassa woman celebrates 100th birthday

HOMOSASSA, Fla. - .A woman from Homosassa is celebrating a very special birthday milestone this 4th of July holiday: She has just turned 100 years old.

Della Bell celebrated her birthday July 3 at the Sugarmill Manor Assisted Living facility. Heidi Johnson says Bell has lived at Sugarmill Manor for 3 1/2 years and is like family to those who work there.

She is very active, attends worship services, loves bingo and loves music. "She often times will sit near the front entrance or near the office so she can greet and talk to everyone. She has a great sense of humor and is full of life," Johnson said. 

Bell was a nurse and grew up in Kentucky as the youngest of 13 children, Johnson said. She has one son who still lives in Kentucky and visits her often.

As for her secret to longevity? "She has said on multiple occasions, 'If you don't use it, you lose it,'" Johnson says. "She really just keeps a good positive attitude and keeps active. She is so healthy she is barely on anything other than basic vitamins," she said.

"We hope Della is with us many more years," she said.

Happy Birthday Ms. Della!