Native Orleanian celebrates 101st birthday

Relatives of Stella Brown Dejoie are the envy of many. That’s because they are privileged to gain first hand knowledge of a century worth of history from their matriarch.

Mrs. Dejoie celebrated her 101st birthday on January 22. Yes, you read correctly.

Born in 1911, Mrs. Dejoie is a longtime retired teacher for the Orleans Parish Public School System. Upon her graduation from high school, Mrs. Dejoie pursued a pharmacy degree at Xavier University. She deferred her college education upon her marriage to Aristide “Harry” Dejoie, a third-generation pharmacist. To this union three children were born: Louadrian, André and Ronald.

STELLA BROWN DEJOIE

At the age of 45 however, she re-entered Xavier University and earned her bachelor’s degree in education as well as a Master’s degree, also at Xavier, in Philosophy of Education.

A resident of Lake City, Fla., since Hurricane Katrina, she continues to pursue her life-long passion for gardening. She was once interviewed by a female commentator about her garden, which was featured on New Orleans’ local PBS station. This led to her leading a weekly question-and-answer gardening segment on Channel 12. If you have any questions about gardening, she can still give you the answer. Mrs. Dejoie also has been a bridge champion for decades and continues to enjoy playing the card game.

Mrs. Dejoie has enjoyed traveling all over the world. She also possesses a great love and talent for sewing, and has created countless outfits for her children and grandchildren over the years. She also enjoys cooking wonderful meals for a host of family and friends, including her daughter, Louadrian, who resides with her in Florida.

This article was originally published in the January 30, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper