BY LANA SAXON

With the celebration of her 103rd birthday May 29, Evelyn Virginia Waters Warren has reached another milestone.

Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, a long the Monongahela River, Evelyn has traveled the U.S., Canada and Europe, and pursued an array of occupations over this time.

Entering the business world in 1941, just as the war was beginning, she went to Washington, D.C., to work for the U.S. Army in a civilian position and continued that job until the war’s end.

Her interesting life continued, especially after she married William Warren, who served as a civilian in the U.S. Navy.

Evelyn and William moved to DeLand 38 years ago. She has served her community well, through her work for The Neighborhood Center, the Woman’s Club, and the Widows Association.

Celebrating twice this year, her first party was a drop-in affair on her birthday. Her second party was June 2, when her niece and her niece’s husband invited friends and family to a luncheon and birthday party.

Prominently displayed were the “103” balloons. Guests were asked questions about Evelyn’s life to see how much they knew about her; some answers were known, others were surprises.

The following information was shared:

Her pen name in much of her writing was Virginia West (a take on her home state, West Virginia). As conservation chairwoman with the DeLand Woman’s Club, her committee took first place in the state for their efforts saving the manatees. Evelyn and William enjoyed dancing, especially the jitterbug and fox trot. And Evelyn’s strong faith and the love of so many friends and family have given her joy through the years.