Tennessee Senate honors Chattanoogan on her 105th birthday

The Tennessee Capitol is shown in Nashville. Gov. Bill Haslam's administration says 700 workers have accepted buyouts in what the administration says is an attempt to right-size state government. The Tennessee State Employees Association says it fears the move will lead to reduced services for state residents. The Tennessee Capitol is shown in Nashville. Gov. Bill Haslam's administration says 700 workers have accepted buyouts in what the administration says is an attempt to right-size state government. The Tennessee State Employees Association says it fears the move will lead to reduced services for state residents.

By Andy Sher March 28, 2016 1 min read

NASHVILLE — Haile Gass Forstner of Chattanooga celebrated part of her 105th birthday on the Tennessee Senate floor Monday.

But Forstner, a ruling elder at Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church EPC, told senators she’s not the one deserving credit.

“I have nothing to do with being 105 years old it,” she said. “It’s my maker who did it all.”

Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, who sponsored the resolution honoring Forstner, introduced her to Senate colleagues.

Forstner was born in Georgia in 1911 and moved to St. Elmo in 1920 with her parents, according to the resolution. A City High School graduate, she married Charles Manning Forstner in 1938.