GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After 100 years, a West Michigan woman said she's just getting started. Dorsie Lee of Grand Rapids celebrated her 100th birthday! Inside the family-owned Winchester Gastropub in Grand Rapids, is the laugh that's lasted a century.
"They all came together and really surprised me," laughed 100-year-old Dorsie Lee from Grand Rapids.
Lee turned 100 years old Tuesday, and she and her 91-year-old best friend just came back from the casino. Lee said after 100 years, she's just getting started.
"We went to the casino but we're going to have a family reunion. My grandson who owns this restaurant, we're going to his house for a family dinner tonight," said Lee.
Over the last century, Lee has accomplished many things in her life. She is a first generation Chinese-American who served her country building planes during World War II at the General Motors Factory in Tarrytown, New York.
"My parents were both from China and then my dad came here early. He stayed here a while and then went back to China and put my mother here," said Lee.
Lee is the second oldest of 10 children and has a total of 18 great-grandchildren.
"I have wonderful family and friends and I think that's number one. You know, have found good family and good friends. They worry about me but I don't worry about them anymore because I know that they're okay," said Lee.
Her secret to 100? She said she keeps her mind sharp by reading two to three books every week. She also stays active and social in her community.
"You have to socialize, you have to be active. You just can't sit down all the time. You just got to keep moving. I think moving has a lot to do with it…. I love exercising. I love to be with people. I did volunteer a lot, a lot of volunteering when my children were in school," said Lee.
She's also very active in her church and loves to dance. As far as what's next for Dorsie Lee, she said she has one big dream.
"My dream is to jump in the car and drive. I know I can't do that anymore. I just thank God that I'm as healthy as I can be. I'm very thankful. I pray every day that I stay like this," said Lee.
Next month, Lee said her family will have a reunion to celebrate her birthday and all her accomplishments.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.