By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

This month, I took time to sit down with someone who needs no introduction to most people in the Trinity
Woods community – Philelle McBrayer. Philelle holds the honor and distinction of being the person who has lived here the longest – 29 years! In fact, the home she currently resides in is the place she has lived in the longest throughout her life.

Philelle’s ties to Trinity Woods, and Oklahoma Methodist Manor, are strong. Her parents built a villa on Sandusky back in 1979 that is still in use. She remembers them moving in on her birthday.

When asked about all the changes since then she will tell you, that the feeling of community has never changed. “The people are great and it is has been a wonderful place to live then and now.”

She remembers every time there has been a new building project on campus wondering how it would change things, and appreciating how it has always added something that was needed and important, making things better.

This year Philelle will turn 99 and she credits her long life to being blessed with good health. She has helped that along by being active – she walks and exercises, she still teaches piano, and is active in campus programs, as well as in her church community.

Looking back at her 29 years in the community, Philelle mentions her love of playing the piano with her most beloved friend Ann Dorff. Most people probably don’t know that this community is what brought this dynamic piano duo together. They have played over 25 programs together throughout the years.

Perhaps my favorite part about my time with Philelle was her words of wisdom…“Be active and accumulate friends.” And to that I say, well done, Philelle!