Lifelong Clarksdale resident Evelyn C. Demilio has enjoyed Mardi Gras traditions for decades as her son Ronnie moved to New Orleans close to 30 years ago.
Demilio celebrated Mardi Gras with Ronnie and other relatives at the Clarksdale Country Club in recent years. When Ronnie could not make it for his mother’s most recent birthday Saturday, Feb. 16. Evelyn was able to celebrate her 94th birthday with her second family at Flowers Manor Retirement Community Saturday night. She moved to Flowers Manor in May 2017.
“I love it,” said Demilio when discussing Flowers Manor.
Veronica Gilliam has been Demilio’s caretaker for the past year and the two have developed a family-like relationship.
“I love it,” Gilliam said. “She’s very sweet. She’s the best person I ever had.”
Gilliam has been a caretaker for seven individuals, including her mother.
“She’s (Demilio) the best next to my mother,” Gilliam said. “She’s like family. She thinks these (Gilliam’s children) are her grandkids.”
Gilliam’s older daughter is Tykera Gilliam and her younger daughter is Ayoundris Magsby, who were both present at the party.
“I’m enjoying it very much. I love these little girls,” Demilio said.
Demilio has also built a similar bond with Gilliam’s husband, Youndris Magsby.
Flowers Manor employee Hawk Hubbard sang happy birthday to Demilio during the party and everyone at the party had cake and dinner.
People at the party wore shirts that said, “Happy 94th birthday to our queen Mrs. Demilio.”
Flowers Manor residents Vivien Eason and Faye Skewes along with employees Lula Yarbrough, Amanda Lofton and Ruby Raper were also at the party.
