Brittany Gunner, left, asks 107 year old Dorothy Butler how her day has been before serving lunch at Franklin Health Care Center.

FRANKLIN — When it comes to old school values and manners that were once commonplace in years gone by, there are some community gems that have lived a long enough life to pass on those fundamental traits to a new generation.

Such is the case for Ms. Dorothy Butler,  a resident at Franklin Health Care Center who turned 107 years old in March.

“She’s not only the eldest person here but we can also consider her as one of the wisest,” Franklin Health Care Center admissions counselor Vicky Landry said. 

Spend five minutes with Butler and one experiences a softness that has come not only with the fragility of an advanced age but a spirit of kindness that she has valued her whole life, she said. Butler calls it her secret for longevity.

“Well, you first have to trust in the Lord and you have to be friendly with people and that’s about it,” Butler said, matter-of-factly.

Those who take care of Butler at the facility call it an honor and pleasure.

“I feel blessed talking to her when she’s talking about her experiences. “ Activity Assistant Francaeska Cortes said. “It’s not every day you can talk to someone who has lived to be 107 years old.”

Workers say people can often find Butler wearing a smile and talking to the other residents of the facility. She likes to talk about her trips away from the center to visit Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church of Franklin, where she is the eldest member. Her favorite activity is bingo.  

The centenarian isn’t afraid to turn her smile into a stern word of wisdom whenever necessary.

“I remember one time walking past her in a hurry and she called me back to readjust me because she said you don’t pass in front of the elders without saying good morning,” Landry said.

Butler’s granddaughter, Guienzy Brent of Franklin, said those old-school values are a character trait she’s well known for in the family.

“She’s very traditional in mannerisms,” Brent said. “She feels that we are still supposed to say yes ma’am or no ma’am. She’s also a stickler for correct English. She strongly believes in honoring your father and mother for your days will be longer on earth,” Brent added.

Her smile tells the story of an inner joy. At 107 years old, Butler’s social life is simple.

“I like to play bingo and I like church. I’m friendly with mostly everybody that’s my life,” Butler said.

Butler was born March 16, 1911, and married Clarence Guienze. She had two sons from that union, Clarence John Guienze, who is still living at 89 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and a stepson, Freddie Guienze of Franklin, who Butler’s  family said drops by every Sunday to pay her a visit.

Butler’s family consists of five generations of which she is the matriarch. She has four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.