Merle Phillips

Belmont Village Geneva Road, Carol Stream, IL
Born April 2, 1907 in Kingston, AR

“Being 110 years old has given me the opportunity to see many things and accomplish a lot. At the time when women rarely went to college, I earned my bachelor’s degree, majoring in math, psychology and education. I also went on and earned my master’s degree in social work. I met my husband, Leonard, in graduate school and just 17 days later, he proposed. My favorite memory to this day is when I met Leonard. That day changed my life. My secret to a long, happy life is all about keeping a positive outlook and keeping busy doing something worthwhile. I started writing books in my 70s and have written 11 so far with number 12 in the works.”