NC woman celebrates 104th birthday with a parade of loved ones

A fire truck, State Highway Patrol, the Wilson Police Department, a full church bus and over 80 cars all lined up for a very important event at a Wilson home on Sunday afternoon.

The bustling parade was in celebration of Rosa Lee Corbett's 104th birthday. Corbett stares at old age, and just laughs it off.

Corbett's secret: "Just live the best I can. Trust in the Lord. Treat my fellow man the way i would want to be treated."

This isn't the first time Corbett has celebrated a major birthday with unique flair.

For her 100th birthday, Corbett had always said she wanted to celebrate with a hot air balloon ride.

WRAL viewers may remember Corbett's 99th birthday, when she did exactly that, taking a ride in the 2015 WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest.

"Anyone that was there will remember how the crowd sang 'Happy Birthday Rosa Lee.' It is a memory we will ALL treasure forever," said Susanne Poythress, who recalled the incredible evening.

Corbett will 104 on Tuesday, May 19, but was thrilled to wave to her friends, family and community who showed up to celebrate a woman who has truly lived those 104 years.

The long life of a local woman

Corbett was born and raised in Johnston County, North Carolina. She's seen the landscape of the Old North State grow and change since 1916.

She got married in 1939 and had one daughter.

Loved ones said she enjoys gardening, and she's known for her beautiful handiwork in knitting, crocheting, quilting and cross-stitching.

She started working at Clayton Spinning Company in 1945, and worked there until it closed in 1976. She also worked for a time at the Smithfield Courthouse, and then at Farmers Home Administration, contributing to the growth of a community she would live in for more than 100 years--and counting!

Happy birthday, Rosa Lee Corbett, and thank you for more than 100 years of living and working in North Carolina. We hope your 104th birthday takes the cake!