For nearly a century, former Locust Grove Mayor Lorene Lindsey earned a reputation for saying what’s on her mind. In that time, she said, she has come away with a plethora of stories to tell.

“I can remember back as far as five years old,” said Lindsey. “If I had the nerve to write a book from then to now, people wouldn’t believe it.”

Lindsey celebrated her 99th birthday on September 27. As she prepared to gather her thoughts about the occasion, Lindsey’s candid persona came shining through.

“I think a bee stung me in my buttocks, and I’ve been buzzing all morning,” she said with a laugh. “I never dreamed I’d get to the point that I’d be satisfied just doing nothing. When I’m asked what I’m doing, I say, I’m so busy doing nothing, I don’t get nothin’ done.”

For her birthday, Lindsey enjoyed a backyard luncheon with 30 of her family and friends.

“We went from one to 99 in ages in that group,” said Lindsey. “I felt like I had a bunch of young chickens under me.”
She also emphasized that one of her birthday presents, from her family, was a hot-air balloon ride, which she plans to enjoy as soon as she can.

Lindsey was born in Porterdale on September 27, 1922. In her younger years, Lindsey was a champion jitterbugger, followed by stints as a licensed beautician, race-car driver and model.

She graduated high school In 1942 — the first person in her family to do so. Shortly thereafter, she entered the workforce as a war bond clerk during World War II.

Lindsey continued working for the government for 36 years. Along the way, she met C.J. “Jake” Lindsey, whom she later married on Father’s Day, 1955. The couple, for 39 years, operated a supermarket where the French Market and Tavern is now located in Locust Grove.

The store served as an unwitting catalyst in the 1970s for Lindsey’s role in the lives of two young Black boys, Troy and Roy Worthy.

Troy Worthy, 58, of Hampton said one day, he set his bicycle against the store window because it didn’t have a kickstand. In the process, he accidentally broke a window in front of Jake Lindsey’s store.

“I had no money, so I worked to pay it off,” said Worthy.

The Worthy twins would end up working for Jake Lindsey for 10 years after the passing of their mother. During that time, Troy Worthy would build a father-son bond with Jake Lindsey.

“Jake taught me how to play baseball and taught me how to drive, and he saw me through school.”

Worthy said Jake Lindsey helped him get his first job, at Smead Manufacturing in Locust Grove, where he remained for 34 years. Worthy said Jake and Lorene Lindsey each played a vital role in his life.

“When he got sick, he made me promise I’d take care of her,” said Worthy. “I take care of her, and she’s been a blessing to me as well. She was like a mom to me. I always refer to her as my foster-mom. Wherever she goes, I go.”

Worthy said the former mayor, over the years, has extended the family treatment to his 25-year-old son, Terrence.
“She helped him go to college,” said Worthy. “She treats him like a grandson.”

Worthy said he is grateful for the events that led to his bond with Lorene Lindsey.

“It was a blessing to me that bicycle fell through that window, because I was blessed to have people to help me go through life,” said Worthy. “For her to love me the way that she does, I feel like I’m part of her life and as if I’m her son.”

Lindsey said she and Jake “unofficially fostered” the two boys, and that she has remained active in their lives over the years.

“They’re just like our sons,” said Lorene Lindsey. “Sometimes I think they wish they weren’t, because I get on their case so much. Troy calls me Mom and Roy calls me Ms. Lorene. Troy lives in Hampton, but I see him every day.”

Lorene Lindsey retired in 1980, but has since kept herself busy with volunteer work. She also served on the Locust Grove City Council, prior to becoming the city’s first female mayor in 2000.

Lindsey has served on numerous boards and organizations, including her work on behalf of senior residents in Henry County. Since 2011, Lindsey has served on the Georgia Council on Aging, and she is also the oldest member of the Locust Grove Woman’s Club, where she has been the treasurer since 1984.

Lindsey has also been active with the Atlanta Regional Commission, local senior centers, the Boy Scouts of America, the Special Olympics, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, and Meals on Wheels.

“At one time, I was involved with the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and A Friend’s House,” she said.
Lindsey said regardless of what organization she is affiliated with, she strives to be an active participant.
“Don’t invite me unless you want me there,” said Lindsey.

Jake Lindsey passed away in 2002. For the last 66 years, Lindsey has lived in the house she and her husband built together.

She spoke with a sense of awe in her voice as she recalled the first time she witnessed a notable invention that occurred in her lifetime.

“It’s always amazing when I look up in the sky and see an airplane flying,” said Lindsey. “I remember going out to Candler’s Warehouse and they’d fly you over the city of Atlanta for a dollar and half. It was just fascinating.”

Lindsey said she also fondly remembers when the first televisions came on the market. As she reflected on today’s increased reliance on technology, she was decidedly less enthused.

“The day I left City Hall, I said, ‘I am out of electronics,’” said Lindsey defiantly. “You can write me, call me or visit me.”
Lindsey’s great-nephew, Michael Vining of Locust Grove, was among those in attendance to celebrate her birthday. Vining described Lindsey as “a meticulous” person who knows how to get what she wants.

“When Lorene talks, we listen, and we love it,” said Vining, 51. “You don’t argue with Lorene. She knows what she’s talking about, and there’s no need in arguing with her, because you’re going to lose every time.”

Vining said Lindsey is a “spectacular lady” who is no stranger to overcoming adversity.

“She had a quintuple bypass on her heart several years ago, and she hasn’t slowed down since,” said Vining, 51. “I’m looking forward to her 100th next year, ‘cause she doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. She stays busy. If she ain’t up to something or out doing something, you know something’s wrong.”

These days, Lindsey continues to live life on her own terms, driving her own car and maintaining her home. Those who know her best agree that she has more energy than some who are half her age.

Lindsey said she plans to continue doing so for as long as possible.

“I’m sure I’ve slowed down some, but as far as my activities, they haven’t changed that much,” she said. “I still drive, and my license says I can until 2028.”

“I cleared my bucket list off when I bought my Cadillac in 2016,” added Lindsey. “Then, I said anything else would just be what I want. I want to ride in a hot air balloon, and my family gave me a certificate for a hot-air balloon ride. After that, anything that comes up is just whatever.”

Lindsey said turning 99 years old hasn’t dampened her spirit in the least.

“I don’t even think of age,” she said. “It’s just a number. I don’t feel any different. The only time I ever thought about age was when I turned 18. After that, I didn’t think about age. I just lived it up. I guess I thought I was grown then.”