100 YEARS YOUNG: SUMMERSVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER CELEBRATES RESIDENT LOVIE’S MILESTONE BIRTHDAY WITH A KENTUCKY FRIED TWIST
On August 29, 2025, Summersville Healthcare Center hosted a celebration for resident Lovie Jacobs, who turned 100, but it was more than just a birthday party. It had a very special Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) twist!
After a sweet conversation with Lovie about the things she’s loved most throughout her life, one simple joy stood out to Summersville Healthcare Center’s Admissions Director, Kristen Grose: KFC’s fried chicken. “That moment sparked an idea,” Kristen said. “What if we could bring that joy to her 100th birthday? I reached out to the KFC team to see if they’d help us throw a special KFC-themed party with enough of her favorite chicken to share with all her guests.”
Upon receiving the communication from Kristen and learning that Lovie is a longtime fan of KFC, the company sponsored her 100th birthday party at the center. The milestone celebration welcomed Lovie’s family, fellow residents and friends, center employees and community members. And thanks to KFC, the birthday party was complete with a catered meal for all attendees, festive KFC-branded decorations, and a special birthday gift to Lovie from the brand.
Lovie has been a beloved resident at Summersville Healthcare Center for over two years and previously spent her life as a dedicated homemaker who grew all her own food. She is a proud Nicholas County, WV, native and one of 10 siblings who grew up on their family farm. At one point, she raised over 100 chickens, tended to a large garden, and filled a cellar with food she canned herself. Her favorite meals to cook are cornbread, kraut and pork chops, and she has always loved fried chicken and lemon meringue pie.
Lovie recalled how a meal like fried chicken and mashed potatoes brings her family together. This love for family and her go-to KFC order (chicken thighs, chicken legs, mashed potatoes and gravy) is exactly what made her 100th birthday so heartwarming. She even shared that her favorite part of the celebration was “eating chicken legs and seeing friends and family.”
The KFC birthday celebration is one of many ways Kristen has gone above and beyond in her role. When asked why she takes extra steps to bring special experiences to residents, Kristen replied, “each of them carries a life full of stories, memories and meaning. Their happiness isn’t one-size-fits-all. To me, it’s personal. If I can bring even a moment of joy that reflects who they are and what they love, then I know I’ve done something truly special.”
For Lovie, Summersville Healthcare Center is a place of joy, even without KFC decorations. “I love the nurses and all the staff,” she said. “Everyone here is the best and so good to me.”
Whether it’s an exciting celebration or simply a comforting meal, Kristen and Lovie—and the whole Summersville community—remind us to find joy in every occasion and to always remember Lovie’s life advice: “Live long and eat good!”