Dessie Pompey Rose celebrated a century of life surrounded by family, friends and community members during a 100th birthday celebration Aug. 1 at the F.E. DuBose Auditorium in Manning.
Rose was born July 29, 1926.
In recognition of the milestone, the city of Manning proclaimed July 29, 2026, as Dessie Rose Day. Mayor Julia Nelson also presented Rose with a key to the city.
The celebration, themed “100 years of grace, love and legacy,” included a slideshow titled “A Century of Memories,” dinner, presentations, well wishes and remarks from Rose.
Stefany Reid-McKnight welcomed guests, and the Rev. James Oliver offered a prayer. The Rev. Melissa W. Green gave the blessing of the food.
Tonya W. Reid presented “A Glimpse of 1926,” reflecting on the year Rose was born, and Willie Mae Reid delivered acknowledgments.
Rose was escorted into the celebration by Reid-McKnight and Anton Ziegler.
