Rewarding The Centenarian Milestone
The County Celebrates Four Prince George’s Women Who Have Reached 100—And Beyond
By Raoul Dennis and Tiffany Young
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA
Here's to 100 years of life!
Four women who are residents of Prince George’s County, MD, were honored for all the great experiences life has given them. These four women have done more in a lifetime. Organized by Maryland State Senator Honorable Joanne C. Benson (M-244), a special presentation took place on September 26 at the St. Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church in Capitol Heights, MD.
Sen. Benson, who noted her excitement about the occasion and Her personal relationship with the women honored, at once broke down their time in the world in days, weeks months and down to the minutes. Listen to Sen. Benson talk about the women she honored and the kinds of lives they lived. Click “Sen Benson Talks About Honored Women,” below.
“I’m so excited about these young ladies we have here today,” Benson said of the women – one of whom still walks to church each Sunday and another who still had a valid driver’s license up until 2021.
“These are not women who sit at home,” Benson says. “These women believe in community service. If there is a need in their community, they rise to the occasion.”
The following women were honored:
Ora Lee Davis, born September 22, 1922 lives in Forestville. Davis is the second of 10 children. A widower with three children, nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. She received several awards and accolades during her service in the federal government where she retired to follow her passion of working with children. She was a substitute teacher for 10 years with Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Theresa Brown Graves (affectionately known as Nanny), born April 26, 1921 lives in Fairmount Heights. She celebrated 101 years of age. The youngest of 23 children! She is the parent to one daughter who is deceased. She spends time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was the first woman of color hired to work in the meat department at Safeway Stores where she retired. She is still active with walking, line dancing, making cakes and pies, gardening, working word search puzzles and is a member of Sylvan Vista Baptist Church of Fairmount Heights.
Evelyn Poole, born September 3, 1922, lives in Capitol Heights. A widower with two step-children and a 94 year-old brother. An active member St. Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church since 1978 and a founding member of several church groups. A retiree with the Federal Government Interstate Commerce (FDIC), she was a member of several bowling leagues and loved to dance. She is part of Senator Benson’s 202 Coalition.
Clementine Ruffin, born September 18, 1918, 104 years old, lives in Capitol Heights. She celebrated 104 years of age. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A Public Servant. Licensed Practical Nurse, Seamstress, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and St. Margaret Catholic Church.
Each woman was honored with several citations and recognized by the office of the county executive with a day in their honor.
More to come on this story. Watch this space.
