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Update: Ridgecrest woman turns 112-years-old

Posted at 10:50 AM, Jun 03, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-03 13:50:00-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — UPDATE: Opal Goode turned 112-years-old on Monday, June 3.

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Ask Opal Goode if growing up she thought she'd live to see 110 and she laughs. "110? Impossible."

Born on June 3, 1907, She's older than her home state of Oklahoma.

Opal was 6 years old when she came face to face with an African-American for the first time. Frightened, she quickly jumped into a ditch.

"I never had seen a colored person," said Goode.

In 1926 Opal married her husband of nearly 50 years.

The couple moved to Bakersfield during the Great Depression. She worked at Woolworth's on 19th street earning $16 a week.

Opal is one of 7 super centenarians in the country, a titled bestowed on those 11 decades or older.

She credits her longevity to hard work and clean living. 

"You know hard word never killed anybody. If you eat right, get plenty of rest and don't indulge," said Goode.

A grandmother of six and great grandmother of nine, Opal now resides in Ridgecrest where she lived on her own until she was 105-years-old. 

This past Saturday, family friends gathered to celebrate Opal's 110th birthday.

She received a greeting from Congressman Kevin McCarthy. In the coming days she'll receive another one from President Trump.

Full of life and laughter, Goode says she has no regrets in life. 

"I don't think I'd change my life. I'm happy with life," said Goode. Adding, "If you want to do something, do it. Don't say 'some day, some day' (because) some day may never come."