Living a long life is something many people would like to accomplish. At 110, Clarice Johnson's wish has certainly come true.

Johnson, who lives at Village Oaks at Fort Wayne senior living community, got an extra-special birthday gift this year when her birthday was announced to millions around the globe by Willard Scott on “The Today Show.”

Johnson was born May 13, 1899, in Claypool, to Edith and John Yeoman.

Margery Kern, Johnson's niece, is happy to see Johnson doing so well at her age.

“She's the only person I know from three centuries,” Kern said.

Johnson's birthday was celebrated not only by Kern, but her two daughters, sister and niece, and staff from Village Oaks, 4730 E. State Blvd.

“I gave her a box of chocolates for her birthday,” Kern said. “She loves sweets.”

Kern said Johnson loves them so much that she grabbed them right out of Kern's hands.

Johnson's longevity isn't a surprise to Kern, though. Kern is 93 years old with a sister who is only 20 months younger.

Though Johnson was born in Indiana, she lived most of her life in Florida, where she taught first-graders in Jacksonville.

“She was a very good (teacher),” Kern said.

Although Johnson was unable to have children, she enjoyed helping children learn and watching them grow.

After she retired from teaching, she continued to tutor first- and second-grade children.

Johnson grew up with an older sister and brother and two younger sisters.

Johnson has been in Fort Wayne since 1995 and has called both Lutheran Homes and Village Oaks home.

Over the years, Johnson has gradually lost some of her sight and hearing.

“She can't see very well or hear hardly at all,” Kern said. “We usually have to yell at her.”

Despite this, Johnson has lived a fairly healthy life. Kern said Johnson overcame a bout with colon cancer 15 or 20 years ago.

Chuckling, Kern said she takes more medicine than Johnson.

Angie Mason is the caretaker of Johnson at Village Oaks. Mason said she has never seen anyone close to Johnson's age while working at Village Oaks.

Although Johnson has been in a wheelchair for roughly six months, Mason said that hasn't slowed Johnson down.

“She enjoys throwing a ball back and fourth and likes to talk,” Mason said.