Nothing was going to stop her six children and collection of grand- and great-grand children gathering at her Adventist Nursing Home on September 10 to celebrate the milestone.

Some of the clan had travelled from Texas to be there.

Before the big event, Mrs Parker said that what she was looking forward to most was seeing all of her family together.

"I can't remember the last time they were all in the same place," she said.

"I guess I had to wait to be 100 to be able to do this. They have all been good kids."

Mrs Parker's second eldest daughter, Vera (one of those kids), is today 78 and a grandmother herself.

She lives closest to Mrs Parker and visits her several times a week.

Mrs Parker moved to the Adventist Nursing Home in 2001.

The staff members say she is fiercely independent and always thanks them every time they attend to any of her needs.

In the lead-up to her birthday celebration, Mrs Parker reminded the nurses to make sure her room was tidy in preparation for her family's visit.