Olive Prior celebrated her 100th birthday on 31 January at the Garden Village Methodist Homes for the Aged in Bordeaux, Randburg.
The spectacular event was put together by her grandchildren.
The venue was decorated in pink and white, and Olive’s name spelled out in tea cups and saucers, with a bunch of roses on each table.
About 60 people, including family and friends were in attendance and made the event a remarkable one.
Olive has lived a fruitful life, according to her son Dennis Prior.
He said Olive worked as a school secretary at two schools in her life and also a Sunday school teacher.
Prior said that he was very grateful for this day.
“I find it very very difficult to believe that my dear mum is 100 years old. Sometimes she battles and now she is here! It is so lovely
that she is here,” commented Dennis.
Daughter Sheila Freercks accompanied her mother on her grand entrance to her birthday celebration, “I just want to tell my mother how totally amazing she is, Mum, you are loved beyond the scripture.”
Marion Spanos, Olive’s granddaughter described her grandmother as a person who has really played a pivotal role in their lives.
“She has really been a central power figure for us,’’ remarked Spanos.
Grandchild Kirsten Mycroft described her grandmother as never being one to shout and although she never shouted, she was still respected by everyone because she was just so accepting.
Olive’s great-grandchildren were all in attendance and very excited to celebrate the day.
Her oldest grandchild is about to turn 21 and the youngest is only two years old.
Reverend Vusi Vilakazi of the Parktown North Methodist Church commented that he was very thankful to the Lord that Olive has reached 100 years of age.
The celebration seemed emotional for some – however, Olive was all smiles from the start.
