WWII vet, 100, named Ms. Alabama Nursing Home

With a ‘lively presence,’ Felma Schrimshire beat out 9 other finalists to take the crown

Image: Felma Schrimshire, 100, is the 2011 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home

Linda Stelter / Birmingham News via Landov

A field of 75 ladies competed for the title of 2011 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home. Felma Schrimshire, 100, from Andalusia and Andalusia Manor, was crowned the new queen by Miss Alabama Courtney Porter.

TODAY staff and wire

updated 7/25/2011 9:04:05 AM ET

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She's 100 years old, legally blind, a World War II vet — and now a reigning beauty queen.

Felma Schrimshire was named Ms. Alabama Nursing Home on Monday night, beating out nine other finalists from a pool of 76 candidates.

“She really waved at the audience, saluted all three sections of the audience. She had a very lively presence on stage, and I think that won over the judges and the crowd as well,” John Matson, director of communications for the Alabama Nursing Home Association, told the Opelika-Auburn News.

Schrimshire, who served for a year in the surgeon's office during World War II and taught Sunday school at a church for 78 years, told the Andalusia Star News before the pageant that she tries to greet all of her fellow residents every day with a smile.

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"I love to be around the other residents and socialize with them," she said.

Her top-notch social skills may have given her the edge as the contestants each endured a 15-minute interview with a panel of judges and then answered a question on stage.

The judges include the commissioner of the state's Medicaid agency and Ms. Senior Alabama Frankie Cashion.

The AP contributed to this report.