On October 20, Jesse Shepperd celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and the people who are lucky enough to know her.
Her birthday brought together generations of family, including her son and daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with her canasta friends and Jewish Family Service and Russell House staff.
In Jewish tradition, reaching such a venerable age is seen as a profound blessing, embodying the sacred obligation of Kibbud Zekenim—the honoring of elders. Over her 105 years, Shepperd has maintained a front-row seat to history—living through the challenges of the Great Depression, the global shifts of World War II, 20 different U.S. presidents, the dawn of the Space Age, and the rapid rise of the digital revolution. From the first black-and-white television sets to the smartphones of the modern era, Shepperd has witnessed the world completely reinvent itself.
When asked what would make her birthday complete, she knew exactly what she wanted: a gathering of the people she loves, and a slice of chocolate cake. As the room joined together to sing “Happy Birthday,” Shepperd giggled and cheered along with everyone else, clearly enjoying every moment.
When her daughter spoke about her mother’s remarkable health, sharing, “Mom doesn’t take any medications. She’s doing so well. She’s an incredible woman,” Shepperd leaned over to a staff member and, still smiling, asked, “What did she say?” The exchange brought another sweet moment of laughter to an already joyful afternoon.
Shepperd’s birthday was also an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable memories she has made through these passing eras. She captivated the room by sharing the story of the time she met jazz legend Louis Armstrong, while her daughter brought a beautiful photograph of Shepperd from her wedding day. Between stories of the past, vintage photographs, and lively conversation, Shepperd posed happily for pictures.
There were thoughtful gifts, too: a beautiful brooch, a handmade necklace, chocolates, and a soft lap blanket knitted by Jewish Family Service’s Knitting for Others group. Cards filled with messages of affection and appreciation reflected what everyone in the room already knew: the birthday girl is a joy to be around.
For the past six years, Shepperd has been a client of Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. This partnership reflects the enduring value of Dor L’Dor—from generation to generation—reminding of a collective responsibility to cherish, protect, and learn from others – especially elders. In her time with JFS, Shepperd has continued to show those around her something that cannot be measured in years alone. Her birthday was a celebration not only of her longevity, but of the warmth, humor, and positivity she brings to the people in her life.
At 105, Shepperd is a reminder that age is only one part of a person’s story. There is still laughter to share, historic memories to revisit, and new moments to treasure. Sometimes, the best way to celebrate a remarkable life is simply with a room full of people who love you, a look back at a century of incredible history, and a little chocolate cake.
A century of wisdom and blessing: Honoring Jesse Shepperd at 105
