Ilene Hughes Turns 100

The Layden Senior Center hosted a birthday celebration for Ms. Ilene Hughes on August 24. With cake and decorations provided by the office of Fay Headley, Edward Jones, the atmosphere was festive as everyone celebrated this milestone birthday for such a special lady.

Ms. Ilene Ballard Hughes has called Forney home for 68 years. She is an active member of her church, Forney Church of Christ, as well as the Layden Senior Center. She and her husband raised two children in Forney: George Hughes and Paula Hughes Hobbs. The couple also has 6 grandchildren: Ginger Hudson, Wendi Vike, Scott Hughes, Aaron Hobbs, Justin Hobbs, and Heidi Wren. The Hughes family now additionally includes 18 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Many of Ilene’s family members were able to attend a party the previous weekend in honor of her birthday.

At the Layden Center birthday celebration, Forney’s Mayor Lewis presented a proclamation to the Guest of Honor, noting how many weeks, days, and minutes Ms. Hughes has lived and describing the cost of living in the year she was born, 1921.

“Whereas during your long and productive lifetime you have earned the respect and affection of people from all walks of life and all ages; And whereas you have lived during the most eventful century of this world’s history and persevered to be a stabilizing influence on those around you during the turbulent years; Now therefore I, Amanda Lewis, Mayor of the City of Forney, Texas do hereby deem it an honor and a pleasure to proclaim August 24, 2021, as Ms. Ilene Hughes Day,” the proclamation read in part.

“Y’all don’t know how much I appreciate all of this,” said Ms. Hughes, who received over 100 roses at her birthday celebration. “I just can’t imagine.”

After living for a full century, Ms. Hughes remains an inspiration to all who know her. She continues to be active in the community and has no plans to slow down now. “I’ve enjoyed all the people I’ve associated with all these years, and I hope I’ll have a few more.”