Vera Marion was not able to celebrate her 100th birthday last year due to COVID-19, so this year was special.
Vera celebrated her 101st birthday with a drive-through birthday party at Pinehurst Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Pandemic restrictions were still limiting, and thus, the drive-through party, but a celebration it was.
Saturday’s event saw numerous family, friends, and even well-wishers from the community stopped by. The Pinehurst Fire Department surprised her as they came through with a huge fire engine and a brush truck, much to her delight.
There were five generations of family present for the celebration, along with caregivers.
Vera worked until she was 80. Her daughter, Wanda, said she retired from the Department of Aging after deciding to spend more time with family and friends. Wanda said most of the clients were younger than Vera at the time. She was also awarded the Employee of the Year Award from the State of North Carolina while at the Department of Aging.
Last year for her 100th birthday, she received a beautiful framed certificate from the governor honoring her birthday. She keeps it on the wall in her room at Pinehurst Rehab that she shares with another Vera, who has been her friend most of her life. She was also on hand for the celebration.
~Article, photos, and video by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.