By Steve Warmowski
Nancy Long had a big surprise for her 85th birthday January 18- 44 family members came to her home in Jacksonville, held candles and keeping social distancing in mind marked her big day. “I wish I could hug you,” she said. “This is a surprise! I wish I could have you all inside.”
Nancy has four children, 19 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren and many of them came to the surprise party to hold 85 candles and sing Happy Birthday. Nancy’s daughter Debbie Wilson said her mom used to host all holidays until the extended family grew out of her space and it became too much work. Nancy loves to get together with family and hosts a breakfast every Friday for any of the 70-plus that can come. Lately she has limited it or not had it at all due to COVID. Nancy said several members of the family had contracted COVID-19.
Nancy was looking forward to getting her shot three days after her birthday, on January 21, from the Morgan County Health Department. Currently people ages 75 and up can get a shot, call 479-1817 to schedule an appointment. The health department hopes to start vaccinating those 65 and up starting in February.
