By Jamie Schnell
schnellj@knoxfocus.com
Barbara Moorman, a cherished resident of The Pointe at LifeSpring Senior Living for eight years, celebrated her 102nd birthday on Friday with family, friends, residents, and caring staff. Excitement filled the room as everybody came together to help Barbara relive one of her fond memories of riding again in a red Mustang. The staff showed a video of Barbara on her 96th birthday, in which she recalled how, when she was a Spanish and English teacher, her students used to refer to her as “Mustang Barb” behind her back because they had seen her driving her famous 1966 red Mustang convertible. Full of love and determination, the staff asked the community for a red Mustang, and within an hour, the community responded and was eager to help ensure Barbara’s special day was unforgettable.
There to celebrate her birthday, Craig Moorman, her son, calls her a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. He described how Barbara enjoyed gardening, travelling, playing the piano and her accordion decorated with rhinestones, as well as having a warm cup of tea with dark chocolate squares. Russell Moorman II, her grandson, spoke of her “spry” disposition and how nice it is to see her so content and happy.
When talking about her 102nd birthday, Barbara, her eyes sparkling, said, “It’s a good day. It’s been a good life.” And when the Mustang pulled up to the front door to take her for a ride, she smiled and exclaimed, “I’m ready!” Her son and grandson joined her in the ride.
Move over, Mustang Sally—there was no mistaking the outpouring of love for Mustang Barb that filled the room. Barbara’s infectious joy marked the celebration of her remarkable life, with family, friends, and a community that came together to make dreams come true—no matter the age. It was a day that no one there would ever forget.
