Raised in the faith, Annie Jo Huffmon has walked hand-in-hand with Jesus for exactly 100 years. A life-long Southern Baptist and fan of Billy Graham, she attends Central Baptist on Greenhouse Road. “I went to Sunday School as a child, and still do!” says Huffmon. During her historical 100 years, Huffmon was baptized at 12 in a church organized by Sam Houston’s wife and sister-in-law. “Back in my father’s great-grandfather’s day, the General traveled from Galveston up highway146 and camped near our family ranch. They planned Texas’ third oldest church – Concord Baptist – between Liberty and Livingston.”
Huffmon attended high school in Liberty, took a business course, worked for First State Bank, and wed Harold in1937 at the age of 26. “I waited for the right one!” said Huffmon. “I worked for a bank in Houston during WWII and being In the Navy, we moved place-to-place and lived in Venezuela.” Widowed when her husband died of brain cancer, Huffman’s faith never wavered. “My daughter has given me grandchildren and great-grandchildren and I’m very blessed.” She loves air travel and visits her grandkids, most who live in New Zealand.
The Trinity River flooded her home in 1994 – the same year George W. Bush was elected Governor. “He paddled all around my subdivision in a boat, and Ann Richards flew overhead in a helicopter!” All of Huffmon’s baby pictures were ruined except one. Huffmon’s advice for the next generation is simple. “I don’t think people are as serious about right and wrong as they should be. They’ve lost interest in what morality is. I worry about the condition of America – especially our debt – yet have a feeling that things are going to work out if Democrats and Republicans pull together, as hard as that will be.”
Healthy and independent, she walks every day and lives in her own apartment at a senior living community on Franz Road. “I hope you tell people about Providence Place,” Huffmon requested. “We need more Bridge players!” Linda Barham, Community Director, threw a 100th birthday party for Huffmon and her family, who flew in. This led to a special surprise: Katy Christian Magazine learned that she hoped to attend the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and contacted President, Lynn Walsh. “It’s wonderful that Mrs. Huffmon still loves horses and are thrilled to invite her and her daughter as guests to our Horse Show and Banquet in honor of her 100th birthday!”
