Limeton Community Church Honors Widow Luncheon Guest Ahead of 100th Birthday

A regular widows’ luncheon at Limeton Community Church turned into a joyful surprise on Wednesday, May 20, when guests gathered to celebrate a very special upcoming birthday for Ms. Lillian Sloane.

Lillian Sloane enjoys her surprise birthday party at Limeton Community Church, smiling broadly, surrounded by love and fellowship as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday in July. Courtesy photo.

Ms. Lillian, who will turn 100 years old in July, was honored with a surprise birthday celebration during the church’s quarterly widows luncheon. The celebration was planned with help from her two daughters, Debra and Sheila, and included a delicious meal prepared by the church ladies, cake, orange sherbet ice cream, games, fellowship, hugs, and plenty of smiles.

For many years, Limeton Community Church has hosted luncheons for local widows, offering care, friendship, and encouragement to women who have lost their loved ones. In November 2025, the church celebrated 20 years of the ministry, a milestone that reflects the faithful work of many people over the years.

The luncheon is more than a meal. Each quarter, the women are welcomed, pampered, and given time to enjoy one another’s company. The gatherings include games, laughter, conversation, and the kind of fellowship that reminds each guest she is loved and not forgotten.

This month’s luncheon carried an extra spirit of celebration as Ms. Lillian walked into a surprise honoring her upcoming 100th birthday. The church ladies prepared lunch and served cake along with orange sherbet ice cream. When Ms. Lillian asked her daughter how anyone knew orange sherbet was her favorite, the answer brought a smile.

“It was a God thing,” came the reply. “I just thought she would like orange.”

Moments like that made the day even more meaningful for those in attendance. The celebration was not only about a birthday, but also about gratitude for a long life, a loving family, and a church family that continues to show care in simple but powerful ways.

Limeton Community Church leaders and volunteers said they feel blessed to continue the tradition started more than 20 years ago by Janice Stollings. Janice is remembered as a true example of Christ’s love, someone who saw a need and helped begin a ministry that still touches lives today.

Through the widows’ luncheon, Limeton Community Church continues to honor that legacy. The church’s heart for local widows can be seen in every meal served, every game played, every hug shared, and every guest made to feel special.

For Ms. Lillian, the May luncheon became a memory to treasure as she looks forward to celebrating her 100th birthday in July. For the church, it was another reminder of why the ministry matters.

At Limeton Community Church, caring for widows is not just a program. It is a tradition of love, fellowship, and faith that continues to bless the community one gathering at a time.

Special Thanks to Tancy Bowers Seal for sharing this with the Royal Examiner.