Centenarian:

Velma Jennings

Salem, Ore.

Velma Irene “Gonna” Jennings celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday. She was born Jan. 28, 1907, in Oakesdale, Wash. She lived in Spangle most of her life, until she moved to Salem, Ore., in 2005.

Jennings met her husband, Norton Jennings, in Spangle when she was a schoolteacher. They were married in 1929. He died in 1986.

Jennings was a clerk and postmaster for 30 years at the Spangle Post Office. She says her most rewarding life achievement is her family.

She attributes her long and healthy life to believing in doing one’s best, keeping going and not worrying.

When asked what her most memorable moment in her 100 years is, Jennings lists graduating from college.

Jennings has two daughters, Marilyn Kennedy of Salem and Barbara Dodson of Spokane. She has eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

Avis Brown

Spokane

Avis Louise Brown recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Born in Spokane on Jan. 8, 1907, Brown has lived here her entire life.

Brown met her husband, Alex, at a dance hall in Liberty Lake, and they were married in 1934. He died in 1991.

Brown was a secretary in a law office and chose to quit working when she married. She says her happy marriage is her most rewarding life achievement.

She attributes her long and healthy life to being a member and the main pianist of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church as a child and through her teenage years. She also mentions belonging to Manito Presbyterian Church and teaching Sunday school. Brown recalled her visits to the Oregon coast as her favorite vacation spot and playing bridge as being her favorite pastime.

She says her marriage to Alex is her most memorable moment in her past 100 years.

Brown never had children, but she has a niece Barbara Atkins Wilkes, Colbert; a great-niece Melanie Wilkes, Spokane; great-great-niece Sophie Overhauser, Colbert.

Matilde Velez

Spokane

Matilde Velez celebrated her 100th birthday Jan. 25 with a belated party at Sullivan Park Care Center. She was born Jan. 20, 1907, in Puerto Rico and has been a resident of Spokane for five years.

Velez met her husband, John, in school in Puerto Rico. They were married for 65 years.

She worked as a shipping clerk for 20 years. She also owned a grocery store in New York and was an Avon distributor. When asked about her most rewarding life achievement, Velez names her family. She says she is very proud of her children including her daughter, Lita, who was a dancer and performer around the world.

Velez attributes her long and healthy life to having a happy disposition. She recalls getting married as her most memorable moment.

She has four children, Rose Andrews and Ray Velez, the late Lita Velez and the late John Velez. She has five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.