Wilma Norris Knight, Chuck Norris’ mother, will be 102 on May 4, 2023. Her proud son said she’s still so full of life that she may live another 100 years!
Chuck Norris wished Wilma a happy birthday and took some time to think on his mother’s great view on growing older. He also mentioned Wilma’s mother (Granny Scarberry), who had a positive impact on both Wilma and Chuck.
Wilma Norris Knight was born on May 4, 1921, in Wilson, Oklahoma, the same town where Carlos (Chuck Norris’ birth name) grew up.
Chuck Norris’ mother had a difficult life. Wilma was born into poverty and became a ward of the state at the age of eight. She battled a rare ailment at a children’s hospital for two years before surviving the Great Depression. Chuck and his siblings were reared entirely by mum on her own. She also outlived her 11-member biological family, two spouses, a stepson, two grandkids, and her son, Wieland.
Despite all of these trials and tribulations, Chuck Norris’ mom maintained her faith. And she cites her mom as an example of how to weather life’s storms properly.
Wilma’s mother had a difficult life as well. She survived travelling the plains with her family as a little child. Wilma recalls her mother living her life with zeal when she was older.
Granny Scarberry’s departure from this world was accompanied by the delight of finally being with her Lord and Saviour. Granny Scarberry’s right arm atrophied and hardened into her chest, according to Chuck Norris’ mother, throughout the final two years of her life. It was mostly useless.
But Wilma recalls that as she was dying, her arms were fully extended to heaven, as if the Lord Himself was pulling her up to her heavenly home.
Rather of lamenting the loss of both parents, Wilma Norris Knight delighted because they were finally together in the Lord’s House.
After a lifetime of struggle and poverty, she was delighted to think about them being together, experiencing a blissful life that the Bible describes as ‘home’ and no more agony, sadness, sorrow, or tears, Wilma said.
Wilma Norris Knight learnt the concept of making your time on Earth count, no matter how long or short it may be, from her mom. She cited an Abraham Lincoln remark that she believed represented her mother’s spirit: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
Granny Scarberry illustrated how to persevere in the face of adversity by leaning only on God. It’s something Wilma Norris Knight kept with her throughout her life. And, at 102 years old, she has some words of wisdom for the rest of us!
Wilma discusses ageing in her autobiography, Acts of Kindness: My Story, in a chapter titled “Growing Old Ain’t for Sissies.”
Chuck Norris’ mother and her husband, George, both agreed entirely with the following comment from comedian George Burns (who lived to reach 100): “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”
Wilma advocated for keeping one’s body youthful by eating healthy and being active. She also emphasised the significance of keeping the mind fit.
Chuck Norris’ mom feels (and we must agree) that age is nothing more than a number. What matters is that you keep your heart fresh. And Wilma provided some guidance on how to do it.
She remarked in spite of one’s numerical age, those who are young at heart are those who are always challenging themselves, starting over, confronting fears, taking risks, and never giving up.
What wonderful advice from such a wonderful lady!
