At the 107th birthday party for Mary Eloise "Lois" Stephens Jackson, Rep. Richard Floyd found out she's still sharp as a tack.
She greeted him Sunday by letting him know she remembered the last time he stopped by - three years ago when she turned 104.
Ms. Jackson was surrounded by family and friends at the home her husband built in Falling Water in 1935. Luther Jackson died 41 years ago.
The Stephenses were originally from Manchester, but they made the move to Chattanooga when Lois was nine.
Luther helped with the move and made the acquaintance of Lois. He came back later to claim his bride.
Luther Jackson owned some pigs and he sold these to a Jewish butcher to obtain money to start on the Falling Water house. He paid as he went so that nothing was owed on the house when he finished.
The Jacksons had six children, including one who died as a child. Four children, including three from Chattanooga, are still living. They are Genevieve Chastain, Gilbert Jackson and Marilyn Harrison, vice president of Allied Arts.
Ms. Jackson drove until she was 90, though she had her driver's license until she was past 100.
She is famous for her quilting, crochetings and handiwork, though she finally gave that up at 105. Family members prize the quilts she made for each one.
Ms. Jackson still is active in canning and freezing vegetables. Her great-great grandson, Logan Wells, had a garden at her house last growing season and she helped put those vegetables away. Just recently she was busy cutting corn and making pickles.
Her granddaughter, Jennifer Wells, says she prays for every member of the family each morning. "She believes in the power of prayer. She's a prayer warrior."