Iris Reed celebrates 102nd birthday

MADISON – In the year that Iris Reed was born, the telephone was a new luxury, World War I was raging, construction of the Lincoln Memorial had started, and Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States.

Born in 1916, ‘Miss Iris’ is 102 years old.

A longtime member of Madison Senior Center, Reed already was attending the center when Vickie Parker first started to work there as an activities coordinator. Parker now works as director of the center.

Soon after Parker starting work at the center, Miss Iris asked Parker to stop by her home for a visit.

During the visit, Miss Iris confided to Parker, “I need some teeth.” Also at the house, Miss Iris’ granddaughter was startled with the request and said, “Grandmama! We could have helped you with some teeth.” The conversation ended in laughter among the women.

Reed’s granddaughter Victoria Owens and great-granddaughter Toria Goodwin often visit Miss Iris and help as needed with her care.

Fellow members at Madison Senior center and visiting relatives treated Miss Irish to a birthday party recently. Everyone enjoyed light appetizers, fruit punch and birthday cake. Several people posed with Miss Iris to have a photograph taken with her.

Madison Senior Center offers daily fellowship, educational programs and recreational activities for senior adults who are 60 years old and older. The center also offers lunch, along with a homebound meal program.

Transportation on the “Senior Cruiser” bus is available for those seniors who live within the city limits of Madison. Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about Madison Senior Center, call 256-772-6242, email Vickie.Parker@madisonal.gov or visit madisonal.gov and click “Departments,” “Recreation” and “Senior Center.”