MADISON, N.J. (WABC) – A New Jersey woman who lived through Prohibition, the Great Depression and two World Wars turned 108 years old Monday.
Inez Elliot said celebrating her birthday on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a blessing.
At the celebration, Elliot reflected on her life with a photo taken with her mother at least 100 years ago.
Her niece Rosalind Johnson said Elliot, who also goes by Miss Rose, has always been a warm presence in her life.
“Aunt Rose was always smiling … quiet … she was really direct with what she said,” she said. “She held no prisoners.”
Elliot’s extensive friends and family, including members of her church, members of Star of Bethlehem and staff at Pine Acres Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center were there surrounding her with love and memories.
Her sister-in-law Pearline Whitney said Elliot has always been generous.
“If we didn’t have enough food, she and my brother would always come and bring food for my children. I had two sets of twins,” Whitney said.
Elliot even got VIP visits and proclamations from people like Madison Mayor Bob Conley.
Elliot was born in Summit, New Jersey in 1917.
She would go on to marry but had no children of her own. She would instead help care for her numerous nieces and nephews over the decades.
Her life was her family, church and reading, which she continues to do to this day. She also enjoys bingo with her friends.
Elliot’s birthdays have also been treated as grand occasions.
She said she only wants one thing from everyone.
“Just keep coming,” she said.
Everyone is promising to return next year when she turns 109.
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