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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

South Perry Blog

Parade Grand Marshall named

Willie Easthman, this year's South Perry Parade Grand Marshall (Photo submitted by the South Perry Business and Neighborhood Association)
Willie Easthman, this year's South Perry Parade Grand Marshall (Photo submitted by the South Perry Business and Neighborhood Association)

Willie Ann Earthman is this year's Grand Marshall for the South Perry Parade. Volunteer Mari Haworth said she's working to line up a classic car for Earthman to ride in - she's one classy lady and she certainly deserves it.

Earthman celebrated her 100th birthday on July 13, 2008, and she's still going strong. She enjoys helping "the elderly" and she's been an usher at Bethel AME Church for more than 25 years.

I was fortunate to meet Earthman and write a profile about her and her amazing life back when she was just 99.

One thing I remember from the interview is that she makes her own herbal tinctures and even though she's never had a drink in her life, one tincture for arthritis includes whiskey. "And don't you buy no cheap whiskey now," she said.

She grew up in Mississippi where at one point she ran a sawmill. In Spokane she was a cook and a housekeeper for many families.

Earthman left quite an impression on me and it totally made my day that she was chosen as this year's Grand Marshall.

The parade takes place on Saturday July 17, starting at 10 a.m.

 

 



Pia Hallenberg
Pia Hallenberg joined The Spokesman-Review in 2004. She is currently a reporter for the City Desk covering Spokane Valley city hall and community news. She also writes news features about people and events.

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