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100-year-old celebrates a century of memories Birthday Bash By SHERRY KITTS, LTN Staff Writer March 13, 2002 - Friends and family circled around Friday to watch Eunice Whitener blow out the candles on her cake. Though the large sheet cake had only three candles, the crowd celebrated the Vale native’s 100th birthday. And she enjoyed all of the flowers, gifts, kisses and hugs from her visitors. “It’s good to see everybody,” Eunice said, in a soft voice, after blowing out the candles. Approximately 30 guests were in attendance for the celebration of a century. Some took time to share comments about their relationship with of the 100-year-old. “I have been her neighbor all of my life,” said Rep. Joe Kiser. “She was a real good neighbor, and everybody thinks the world of her.” Eunice is now a resident at Lakewood Care Center in Denver. Members of the staff joined Eunice’s family for the celebration. Lakewood employee, Betty Biddle says the center “is real lucky to have her.” Biddle says even though Eunice has poor hearing and failing eyesight she is in “pretty good health.” Before moving across the county, Eunice lived in Vale where she raised her only son, after her husband died more than 70 years ago. Though Eunice speaks more softly and is now in a wheelchair, her son, Earl Whitener, remembers the stern woman she was from his childhood. He specifically recalls a day when he was using “bad words.” His mother quietly came up behind him and decided to teach him a lesson. “She never said a word,” Whitener said. “She just put her foot right in my back. And to this day, I say very little bad words.” Eunice is a member of Palm Tree United Methodist Church in Henry. Several members of the church attended Friday’s celebration. During the party, Rev. Ed Benfield said a prayer thanking God for Eunice, and for granting her with a long life. After the prayer Benfield said, “She is such a dear soul.” But members of Palm Tree are no stranger to the center. They visit Eunice often. The 100-year-old woman has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who are now in college. Eunice’s grandson, Dennis Whitener says he has always enjoyed visits with his grandmother. He remembers visiting her house as a child. He says his favorite part was her home cooking — complete with scratch made biscuits. “Lord I miss her cooking. She always had a smile on her face and was always so happy to see us.” ————— LTN staff writer Sherry Kitts covers stories in eastern Lincoln County. She can be reached by calling 704-483-8493 or e-mailing kittsd@mindspring.com
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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