TULLAHOMA, Tenn. (November 13, 2026) – Irma Troxler has seen more than a century of history unfold. She remembers a different Wartrace, Tennessee, grew up during the Great Depression, worked during World War II at the Camp Forrest prisoner-of-war camp and helped build a family and community in Middle Tennessee. Now, at 104 years old, her own story has become an important part of the history she once witnessed.
Irma recently celebrated her 104th birthday on Nov. 5 at Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, surrounded by family, friends, her church family, fellow residents and associates. Tullahoma Mayor Lynn Seabourn and Lane Curlee also stopped by to celebrate the milestone. As part of a special annual tradition, the mayor presented a proclamation recognizing Irma’s birthday and declaring the date in her honor.
Born Nov. 5, 1922, Irma grew up in Wartrace, where she developed a lifelong connection to the small Tennessee community. After graduating from high school, she attended Ward-Belmont College and later worked for Ralph Rogers Construction Company during the development of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Her life took another turn during World War II. Irma married her husband, John, in 1943, and as the war reshaped communities across the country, both found themselves connected to the wartime activity surrounding Camp Forrest in neighboring Tullahoma. In 1944, Irma worked in the personnel office of the camp’s prisoner-of-war facility, typing rosters and assignments for German prisoners.
One unexpected keepsake from that chapter of her life has stayed with her for decades: a bracelet crafted by one of the German prisoners from scrap aluminum. It is a small but remarkable reminder of an experience that few people can describe firsthand today.
John also served overseas for 26 months as a radio operator and mail driver during the postwar occupation of Berlin. After the war, the couple raised their two daughters, Elaine and Beverly, and eventually made Tullahoma their home in 1974.
Over the years, Irma became known for more than her connection to local history. She was a devoted mother and homemaker, remembered for her homemade casseroles, beautifully sewn dresses and hand-embroidered quilts. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Farm Bureau and helped establish King’s Cross Church, where she remains a longtime member.
Irma and John shared 73 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Today, their family includes two grandsons and four great-grandchildren.
Her stories have continued to reach new audiences through Wartrace: A Living Soul, a documentary directed by Heidi Cataldo-Warren and produced by Nashville Production Studios. The film explores the history of Wartrace through the stories of the people who helped shape it, with Irma serving as a central voice. At 103, she even experienced her first limousine ride and walked a red carpet at the documentary’s premiere.
Reflecting on the experience, Irma said, “It was such a wonderful experience. I loved the limo ride and the red carpet. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this film.”
A second documentary is currently in development, offering another opportunity to preserve the stories and memories she carries. Her experiences at Camp Forrest have also been featured by WKRN in its Heroes of Tennessee series.
Irma became a resident of Morning Pointe of Tullahoma in 2019, a community she had known about long before moving in. “I knew people who lived here,” she shared in an earlier interview. “The staff and resident assistants have been so good to me.”
For the Morning Pointe team, celebrating Irma’s 104th birthday was an opportunity to recognize not only her longevity, but also the history, relationships and contributions that make her story so special.
“Having someone like Irma as part of our community is such a gift,” said Jennifer Spears, executive director of Morning Pointe of Tullahoma. “She has lived through so many chapters of our local and national history, and the stories she shares give us a glimpse into a time that fewer and fewer people can tell us about firsthand. We are honored to celebrate her, learn from her and be part of her story.”
At 104, Irma continues to enjoy attending church most Sundays and remains surrounded by the family, friends and community connections that have shaped her life. Her birthday celebration was a reminder that behind every milestone is a lifetime of stories worth hearing and preserving.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Morning Pointe Senior Living, headquartered in Ooltewah, Tennessee, was founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in four southeastern states, including GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
