100-Year-Old Man Found Joy in Painting in His 80s

A 100-year-old painter only discovered his love for his craft after he moved into an assisted living community at 85.

Jerry Stephenson, who turned 100 on Tuesday, Nov. 18, has transformed his apartment at Kansas’ Santa Marta Retirement Community into an art studio, according to NBC affiliate KSHB and Fox affiliate WFTX.

When he and his wife moved to the Olathe community in 2010, a fellow resident suggested Stephenson try painting, and thus began his yearslong journey as an artist.

But despite the late-in-life discovery, Stephenson doesn’t wish he had started his new passion any sooner. He told KSHB that he’s content with his “life’s history” as it is. Instead, he said he loves how he managed to discover more about himself even at 100.

“I had no idea I had such talent and ability. It goes to show we have unknown capability,” Stephenson told KSHB. “It’s never too late to try something new.”

Stephenson often paints from memory, WFTX reported, translating details from past world travels through imagery on canvas. He’s even captured his experiences pheasant hunting and riding an elephant in India while serving during World War II, he told the outlet.

He’s also hoping to one day procure an aquarium for his apartment so he can paint scenes from it, too.

Yet a beloved muse in his art is his late wife, who died in 2021, he told KSHB. The two were married for 73 years.

“My wife Mary Ellen loved irises, so I paint those the most,” he said. “She’s still with me in every brushstroke.” He even has a framed sketch of her and beamed at the sight of her face — his “favorite” piece of art.

In June, Stephenson told KSHB he’d be celebrating his 100th birthday with family — including four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren — plus Santa Marta staff, neighbors and a flourishing group of admirers of his art.

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In a Facebook post in August, Santa Marta wrote that Stephenson’s love for his art is “a beautiful reminder of the joy and purpose that can be found in every season of life.”

“I didn’t know I could do this until I tried,” he said, according to KSHB. “A lot of people have hidden abilities, they just don’t give themselves the chance. It’s never too late to surprise yourself.”