Veteran celebrates 101st birthday
On a bright October morning, Emma Jean Evans welcomed friends and family to her cozy home, ready to celebrate a remarkable milestone—her 101st birthday. Surrounded by balloons and laughter, the beloved matriarch reminisced about a life steeped in love, service, and the joy of music.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Emma Jean has always been a woman of many talents. Her days are filled with the melodies of the piano and organ, instruments that have been her companions throughout her long life. "Music is my joy," she said, her eyes sparkling. "It brings people together."
Emma Jean's culinary skills are legendary, having once cooked for soldiers and VIPs, including George Washington Carver the scientist whose desk she adorned with flowers each morning. "Cooking is my way of caring for others," she explained. Her favorite dish? A simple salad reflects her belief in healthy, nourishing food.
After earning her degree at Tuskegee University, where she studied dietetics for two years, Emma Jean entered the workforce as a dietitian before transitioning to engineering at Honeywell. She later served as a Specialist in the Army from 1945 to 1947, motivated by the desire to support her family—she is one of 13 siblings, with five sisters and eight brothers. "Family keeps you young," she says, a mantra that has guided her through the years.
Emma Jean's journey was not without challenges. Growing up, her father worked for the railroad, taking the children on train rides that became cherished memories. "We would ride to Dallas and back, watching the names of the stops flash by," she recalled a wistful smile on her face.
Despite her busy life, Emma Jean found time to nurture the next generation, running a daycare for special needs children and helping raise kids that were not her own. Her dedication to service extends beyond the kitchen; she firmly believes in the importance of faith. "Live your life for God and do things for the church," she advises.
Emma Jean is a proud mother of three, each of whom has embraced her values of kindness and service. As she celebrates this special birthday, she shares one final piece of wisdom: “Get saved and you’ll live a long time like me!”
As friends and family gathered around her, Emma Jean's laughter echoed in the air, a testament to a life well-lived and a heart full of love. Her 101 years are not just a number; they represent a legacy of resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.