TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) – Living 100 years is quite an accomplishment, so imagine making it to 105! Meet Virginia Irene Willis.
“I was born in Virginia in 1920 on January 17. Now, I’ll be 105,” she said.
Not long after she was born her parents moved to Kentucky and then Tennessee. Willis eventually made her way to Ohio as a young woman.
“When did you come to Toledo? I’ve been here ever since they changed the street cars to buses,” Willis said.
Willis said everyone asks her what is her secret to a long life.
“Now that’s what everybody asks me. The doctors don’t understand why I’m still living because there’s a lot wrong with me,” Willis said.
There’s a lot right with her too at the amazing age of 105. She said her family, friends, good food and her faith keep her going.
“What the Bible says to do, I do. What it says not to do, I don’t do.” Willis said.
Angela Rice said she always enjoys speaking with her great-aunt.
“She always lends a good ear to give you wise encouragement,” Rice said.
Rice continued by saying Willis still does everything on your own as well.
“She lives by herself in a senior apartment building. She’s the oldest one there! She cooks for herself, cleans and does her own laundry,” she said.
So just how are they celebrating birthday No. 105? By going out for a night on the town.
“We plan on going to dinner at Red Lobster. She likes going to Red Lobster,” Rice said.
In addition to dinner, Willis said a few other celebrations are also planned with family and friends.
Willis said longevity runs on her father’s side of the family because both his parents lived to over 100.
Rice shared that her great-aunt is an avid coffee drinker and loves her sweets. So, there will be some dessert at the birthday celebrations.
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