CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A special birthday party was held recently at Arcadia Senior Living as Margie Lillard, a former dancer and theater performer, celebrated 101 years.

Lillard’s husband, the late Col. James Lillard, served twice at Fort Campbell. She has been a local resident for more than 48 years and was involved with Clarksville theater until her 90s.

Publicity photos of performer Margie Lillard from Clarksville who celebrated her 101st birthday, on Feb 8 2022. (Contributed Photo).
A publicity photo of performer Margie Lillard from Clarksville who celebrated her 101st birthday, on Feb 8 2022. (Contributed Photo).
A publicity photo of performer Margie Lillard from Clarksville who celebrated her 101st birthday, on Feb 8 2022. (Contributed Photo).
Margie Lillard celebrates with family and friends at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Daughters Anneliese Kennedy, Margaret Lillard and Donna Migliaccio celebrate with their mother Margie Lillard at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard celebrates her 101st birthday at her party with family and friends, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Balloons display 101 for Margie Lillard at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard holds the proclamation from Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard celebrates at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard blows out the candles on her cake at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard celebrates with her friend, retired Colonel Tom Denney at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard celebrates with family and friends at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard celebrates with family and friends at her 101st birthday party, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Margie Lillard enjoys a piece at her birthday cake on her 101st birthday, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Colonel Andrew Jordan and Command Sergeant Major Joseph Harbour present Margie Lillard with an American flag on her 101st birthday, on Feb 8 2022. (Lee Erwin).

Lillard said her birthday party on Feb. 8 was an enormous surprise. “It was the most beautiful thing; I have to say it was the most huge, wonderful occasion, and I just can’t get over it. I’m a fairly simple person and that I should have something like that, it was very nice,” she said.

When she was younger, she liked to stay busy and was active with dancing and in the theater until she was too old to go, as she put it. She said she was dancing professionally at the age of 12 on the weekends.

She later began touring around the Chicago area and celebrated her 21st birthday on the road. After she left dancing behind, Lillard got a job with AT&T as a supervisor, and soon after that she married James Lillard.

Col. Lillard, who passed away in 2000, retired from the Army in 1980, and the couple decided to make Clarksville their home because, Mrs. Lillard said, they liked the people.

101st celebration

Lillard was joined at the celebration by three of her seven children. She also has 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

For her husband and the family’s service to the nation, Lillard received an American flag, presented by Fort Campbell Garrison Commander Col. Andrew Jordan and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Harbour. Mayor Joe Pitts also attended the celebration and presented a proclamation.

“I don’t know how I gained all of this for being so cotton-picking old. I am hoping it lasts because the good Lord above has granted me this extra time to be with my wonderful family who give me such joy,” Lillard said.

When asked for any advice she could share about reaching 101 years old, Lillard said, “Be sensible, exercise, get out and move, have friends that you can enjoy, meet lots of people, and be kind. Of all things, be kind to others.”