Alexandria’s Eve Capps says she’s more surprised than anyone that she’s lived this long. The 100-year-old was born in Sacramento, California, in 1923, and with an acute memory fondly recalls her childhood during the Great Depression.
“My father worked for the railroad, and we went from living in a big house to a shack,” Capps told ALXnow. “But I was just a little girl and I thought it was fun.”
On Tuesday (Sept. 12), Capps and 26 Alexandria centenarians were recognized by city leaders at City Hall. This is the third year for the annual event in observance of National Centenarian’s Day.
Mayor Justin Wilson said that achieving a full century of living is impressive, although the celebration should not simply be about a number.
“It’s about the contributions that all of you have given to for so many years, so many decades, generations, to our community,” Wilson said. “It’s about the rich legacy that you all have created in our community. And that’s a legacy of family, some of which we see here. That a legacy of service, and accomplishment.”
Capps said that the secret to her longevity is staying active.
“I’ve always taken very good care of myself,” she said. “I don’t know why I’ve made it this long. I just keep going on and on, and I’m always surprised when I have a birthday.”
Centenarians in Alexandria
- Mary Addison — 102
- Ann Buxton — 100
- Dorothea G. Campbell — 100
- Eve Capps — 100
- Anita DuMars — 102
- Audrey Fenton — 101
- Lowell Fisher — 101
- Walter A. Hammersley — 101
- Margaret Johnson — 104
- Marjorie Knowlton — 100
- Daniel Krinsley — 101
- John Leeper — 101
- Pauline Lynch — 100
- Charlotte Neborak — 100
- Ada Nelson — 102
- Ann Samuel — 103
- Jane Sara — 103
- Alice Schmidt — 103
- Catherine Sevick — 106
- Helen Smith — 101
- Eva L. Sorenson — 100
- Edith Tillotson — 100
- Barbara Weadon — 100
- Frances Webb — 103
- Ruby Wells — 101
- Virginia Wirtz — 100
- Mildred Youso — 102
