104-year-old former Ms. Alabama Nursing home dies

Covington County lost one of her oldest and most interesting residents when Felma Schrimshire passed away Sunday night.

Mrs. Schrimshire, who was 104, became the sweetheart of the Alabama Nursing Home Association, when at age 100, she was selected Ms. Alabama Nursing Home 2011.

When she was crowned on July 25, 2011, the news was literally heard around the world. Mrs. Schrimshire was featured on TMZ.com, the UK Daily Mail and Today.com in addition to Alabama media outlets.

Mrs. Schrimshire and the staff of Andalusia Manor, traveled the state attending community events and visiting other nursing homes.

Some of her accomplishments include:

• Giving the opening prayer for the Alabama House of Representatives;

• Meeting with Gov. Robert Bentley;

• Visiting 13 nursing homes;

• Speaking to civic clubs and school groups; and

• Speaking at the Alabama Nursing Home Association’s Annual Convention and Alabama’s Best Practices.

Travel wasn’t new to Mrs. Schrimshire, who served in the Army during World War II. After her husband died, she and a friend travelled the world. They visted all 50 states; every province of Canada; England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and the Holy Land.

She began teaching Sunday School at age 12, and taught for 78 years. She had lots of spunk even them. When The Star-News interviewed her in 2011, she shared another story about being 12.

“We grew up on a farm and my daddy came home from work early one day,” she said. “The car was still warm so I could easily crank it back up. It was one of the first cars made.

“I loaded three of my sisters up, even the 8-month-old, and decided to take them for a ride,” she said. “The funny thing is, I was only 12 years old! I wasn’t supposed to be driving.”

Her mother was waiting when Mrs. Schrimshire brought her sisters back.

“She got me out of that car and spanked me good,” she said, adding it was the only time in her life she was spanked.

Just a few weeks ago, Mrs. Schrimshire, who had lived at Andalusia Manor for six years, was asked what she liked about it.

“I like being taken care of in my old age,” she said. “I’m 104. I love people and I love the Lord.”

He complete obituary can be found on Page 6 of today’s paper.