A 2018 study found that churchgoers live longer than non-churchgoers. These two Super Seniors validate that study.

Enid Knight cuts the cake at her 100th birthday party. “Everything about church makes me happy!”

Enid Daphne Knight, 100, is the oldest member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay. 

The Guyana native was a teacher in Guyana before immigrating to the United States. She moved to New York and worked at the Ford Foundation for many years. 

Knight retired to Palm Bay with her sister and brother. She attended services until her health prevented her from doing so. At present, Enid lives in a senior group home where she visits her family, the clergy, friends from church, and LEVs (Lay Eucharistic Visitors). “It is so lovely that the LEVs bring me Communion.”

When still able to attend church, Knight was quite active. “I was on the altar guild, the flower guild, and Daughters of the King,” she said. “I like everything that concerns the church.”  

She credits lifelong church attendance for her longevity. “Go to church and be involved at church as long as you can.” 

Photo courtesy of Enid D. Knight

Flossie Holzman has worn many hats at Saint Elizabeth’s. “Working for the Lord is the best job you can have!”

Flossie Holzman, 98½ , believes that going to church all her life has given her a longer life. “Working at the church has always been great,” she said. “Having things to do at church helped me so much when I became widowed.”

She is the oldest member of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Sebastian, lives alone and still drives herself to church on Sunday. “My children aren’t real happy about me still driving,” she explained. “My license is valid until I’m 100, and I stay off the busy roads like A1A and US1, so I don’t worry the kids.”

Holzman has worn many hats at St. Elizabeth’s. “I’ve been on the altar guild, flower guild, Sunday school teacher for a high school group, and worked in the church office. I’ve even chaired an impromptu rummage sale and put together a three-day festival that featured a dinner each night. When I took that job, I didn’t know anything about the feast we were celebrating!”

She has this advice for those under 70. “Working for the Lord is the best job you can have. It keeps you young. Well, it kept me young anyway.”

Photo courtesy of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Sebastian