100 Reason to celebrate

Jet, March 14, 2005

* 100 REASONS TO CELEBRATE: Velma Wood of Chicago recently celebrated her 100th birthday in the company of friends and family at the William L. Dawson Nursing Center. A native of Meridian, MS, she has 10 children, 56 grandchildren, 86 great-grandchildren, 30 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Wood, who says she is "a child of God," credits her longevity to the power of prayer, being a faithful, trusted and devoted wife and mother, her love for living life through her children and her grandchildren, being active in church, community involvement and always making herself available to give a helping hand to anyone in need.