WINDSOR—Elva Irene Griffin turned 100 years young on Aug. 21.

She is now a resident of Consulate Health Care in Windsor.

She was born on Aug. 21, 1908, and raised in Raeford, N.C., and was the youngest of eight children.

She will tell you that her secret of a long and healthy life is the use of old-fashion vinegar and hard work.

By growing up on a farm she remembers herding up the mules in the morning for field work, and then helping her mother cook breakfast “before the chickens got up.”

As a young lady she moved to Norfolk before turning to private practice. Her nursing career lasted more than 60 years.

She married Harry K. Waters of Camden, N.C., and had one son, Harry T. Waters of Carrsville.

She has two granddaughters, Stacy Waters-Bailey of Suffolk and Stephanie Appling of Carrsville.

After retirement the family moved from Norfolk to Camden where Mr. Waters died in 1998 at the age of 98.

While attending senior citizen gatherings in Camden she met Francis Griffin of Elizabeth City, N.C., and in January 2000 remarried at the age of 90.

Mrs. Griffin enjoys gardening, singing, playing the piano, and church services.

She recently visited the Norfolk City Zoo. She stated that she had never seen so many big cows, snakes, and birds in one place in her life.

One of her most prized birthday gifts was a card from the president of the United States and his wife wishing her a happy birthday.

She could not believe that such important people even knew where she lived, much less sent a birthday card.

She continues to be the best entertainment for the staff of Consulate Health Care, holding court over how the nurses of today dress, how to play bingo, and how to treat all people with respect.

She might be of small stature, but has a large and caring heart for life and her family.