Reed celebrates 100 years of life

Iris Reed receives birthday wishes from Vickie Parker, Director of Madison Senior Center. Reed celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 16. RECORD PHOTOS/GREGG L. PARKER

MADISON – When Iris Reed was born, Woodrow Wilson was president, World War I was raging and Charlie Chaplin was a box-office star. Reed recently celebrated her 100 years of life with friends and family at Madison Senior Center.

Reed was born in Coleman, Fla. on Feb. 16, 1916.

Reed rides the Senior Cruiser bus to the center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “She is very independent. The first thing she does in the morning when she arrives at the center is prepare her own cup of coffee,” Madison Senior Center Director Vickie Parker said.

Iris’ parents were Chester and RosaLee Reed. Iris later moved to Lake Wales, Fla. and worked for the railroad and Lee Drapers.

Iris married Major Parker. Their children were James Reed and Alonzo Reed, now deceased. Iris has two great-granddaughters, Toria Owens Goodwin and Valarie Owens; three great-great grandsons, Jayden and Josiah Goodwin and Jordan Owens; and son-in-law Mark Goodwin.

In 1993, she moved to Madison with her granddaughter Victoria Owens and husband Fred Owens.

Still in good health, Iris credits her longevity to not ‘running the streets,’ going to bed on time and continuing to serve God throughout her life. “She counts it as a major blessing for the Lord to have allowed her to live as long as she has and to have experienced so many things in life,” Victoria Owens said.

OH! Bryan’s is her favorite restaurant. Fish is her favorite food. Iris attends Shiloh Church Ministries in Huntsville.

Iris likes the attention that the senior center staff gives her, Owens said. She enjoys playing Bingo and talking with other seniors.

“The funniest thing that I ever had happen with Iris was a few months back,” Parker said. “I was sitting with her and asked her what do you do to live to nearly 100 years old.”

“Iris replied to me in a very serious voice, ‘I just breathe.’ She has an unbelievable sense of humor and is as sharp as a tack — nothing really makes it past her,” Parker said.

Madison Senior Center’s address is 1282 Hughes Road. For more information, call 256-772-6258.