Above: The ten contestants for Ms. Alabama Nursing Home (front row) wait to be introduced to the eager crowd of supporters.

Ten beautiful, elegant and graceful contestants competed for the title of Ms. Alabama Nursing Home. The annual contest was held Monday, July 27 at the Hyatt Regency The Wynfrey Hotel.

Each woman shared stories of amazing obstacles they’d overcome; transitioning from their own houses to shared living spaces; and their inspiration for helping others lead successful lives each day.

Five finalists were chosen, including a queen. Here are tidbits of wisdom they shared.

Ms. Woodhaven Manor Sylvia Holland received the title, and votes, for 2015 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home.

Ms. Woodhaven Manor, 87-year-old Sylvia Holland, won the overall contest and now holds the title of 2015 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home. She will function as a spokesperson for the Alabama Nursing Home Association and will be featured in events promoting the facilities. She became well-known in her facility for making dollhouses out of cardboard boxes for young children. She said she learned how to turn life’s most bitter experiences into something positive. After the death of her son, Holland and her husband began fostering other children in her county.

“Through this experience we adopted two children whom we know the Lord sent straight to us.” Holland said she considers raising her children one of her greatest accomplishments.

Ms. Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center Freddie Harkness

65-year-old Freddie Harkness, Ms. Cherokee County, was nominated by the Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center because “she is truly an example of living life to the fullest. She always has a smile on her face, a chuckle in her voice and love in her eyes.”  She’s been in the facility, located in Centre, for a little over a year and actively participates in games and other social activities.

Ms. Troy Health and Rehabilitation Dot Gainey

78-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Gainey from Troy Health and Rehabilitation Center keeps her sense of humor and was in the unique position of working in a nursing home for years before she came to reside in one. She said proudly that she likes to encourage those with doubts about entering the facilities.

“Being in a nursing home isn’t something that’s done to you, it’s done for you.” She keeps busy with activities and friends and staff have even named her peer group the “Golden Girls.” The character she said she represents? Dorothy, of course!

Ms. El Reposo Nursing Facility Elizabeth Penn

Elizabeth Penn of El Reposo Nursing Facility in Florence has a travel roster many would envy. The 77-year-old has traveled to cities such as New York; partaken in an African safari; and even experienced swimming with wild dolphins in the Bahamas. The breast cancer survivor credits the social atmosphere and the nursing home’s caring staff with “saving her life.” Since staying in the facility, she has learned to walk again.

Ms. Hanceville Nursing and Rehabilitation Lydia Guthrie

79-year-old Lydia Guthrie of Hanceville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center considers her friendships invaluable. In addition to playing the piano, she’s currently taking lessons to play the ukele.

“Each day you live presents an opportunity to learn something new.” The former educator is described as an inspiration as she reaches out to encourage staff, visitors and other residents daily.

90-year-old Edna Farrell held the title of 2014  Ms. Alabama Nursing Home. She’s a resident of Arbor Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Opelika. She entertained the audience with her quick wit and rapid-fire jokes. Although born in Brooklyn, New York, she’s been a faithful state resident and touched many lives throughout her reign in 2014 according to representatives with the Alabama Nursing Home Association.

2014 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Edna Farrell is interviewed by one of the event co-hosts, Mr. Bob Coker.