The Jesus, Others, and You (JOY) Sunday School class of First United Methodist Church celebrated the birthday of their oldest member Friday evening.

Blanche Lund, a Houston native who has lived in Huntsville for more than a quarter century, turned 98 on Friday, and was honored by her Sunday School class with a private dinner at The Junction.

Before Lund arrived for the party, the room was already abuzz with talk of her.

Joyce Robinson, organizer of the party, has known Blanche ever since she joined the JOY Sunday School class.

“Blanche is an inspiration to us all in the class,” Robinson said. “She’s a great lady.”

When Lund arrives, the small crowd in the room comes to their feet with applause and a collective chorus of “Happy Birthday to You.”

Through it all, Lund is composed, smiling and humble. She waves it off as though it’s just another day.

“I can’t hardly see you all, but thank you for coming,” Lund said.

She has been legally blind for several years.

While everyone around her is full of talk about her many exploits, talents and qualities, Lund merely smiles.

“I’m just a human being,” she said. “Just an ordinary lady.”

The guests at her table respond with cries of “No you’re not,” and “Far from it.”

It is clear from everyone’s reaction to her presence that this woman is special, and what stands out is her commitment to staying active.

Lund said she makes daily visits to the Huntsville Senior Center for games of Bingo and 42 and lunches with friends.

Many members of her Sunday School class were quick to note that she never misses church, and she often visits her daughter, Blanche, who lives in California.

In recounting her life, Lund had little to say about extraordinary occasions.

When it was noted that her birthday falls on the same date as the anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy, she shrugged.

“I don’t have a memory for dates,” she said. “They all run together. Dates aren’t important to me. Living my life is important to me.”

Though she seems far too humble to remark on the significance of her longevity, Lund does remember that her life once seemed it would end much sooner.

“I was born in Houston, and for the first two months they thought I was going to die,” she said, then laughed. “But I survived.”

Even at age 98, and even with limited vision, Lund lives alone and keeps busy with church and senior center activities.

“I know she knows most of the hymns by heart,” said Dr. Marion Czaja, a fellow member of the JOY class. “She can’t see the page, but she’s always singing.”

Lund is also a violinist, and briefly played with the Houston Symphony.

“She’s a little different from most 98-year-olds,” said Dr. Melvin Mason, a former Sam Houston State University English professor and fellow member of the JOY class. “Not many 98-year-olds can play the violin.”

Seated next to Lund at the dinner was Phyllis Nichols, the JOY Sunday School class teacher and a close friend of Lund’s.

When asked to give a short quote on her 98-year-old friend, Nichols gave a small smile and shook her head.

“That would be hard,” she said. “Her attitude toward life is just absolutely remarkable. Her faith in God, the way she is with people, all of it just forms this amazing attitude about life that’s just remarkable. “

When Lund was asked the secret to long life, she paused.

With one hand rested on her chin, she closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again she gave her advice.

“Know the Lord Jesus,” she said. “And always stay active.”