SANFORD – God’s grace is what Mrs. Eva Mae Black attributes her longevity. God’s grace and hard work. Sanford’s newest centenarian, was born December 17, 1924, in Defuniak Springs, Florida, and celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday, December 15th, 2024!
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 618 East 10th Street, was the site for the celebration, as she was surrounded by her daughters, Carolyn Wiggins, Connie Williams, and Cheryl Williams. Also in attendance were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a host of great- nieces, nephews, neighbors, former co-workers and friends, who affectionately call her, “Miss Eva”.
Gold, rose gold, and white were the colors for this very special occasion. Miss. Eva regally entered the fellowship hall, wearing a beautiful dress, patterned with rose gold flowers to match the scheme. Adorned with a “Birthday Queen” sash and a crown atop her head, she looked exactly like the queen she is! Miss. Eva was extremely surprised to see everyone, especially her 99 year old niece, Elizabeth Mitchell, of Sanford.
Rev. Victor Dargan, assistant pastor at New Bethel, opened the celebration with a prayer, followed by the blessing of the food by New Bethel’s Senior Pastor, Dr. Sidney Crudup, II. Music softly played, as guests introduced themselves, stating their relationship to the honoree, sharing funny stories and memories.
Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren thanked “grandma” for showing so much love to them, growing up, and for the wisdom she imparts on them, now. Miss. Eva keeps her mind sharp by reading the Bible and newspaper daily, and she loves to work crossword & word search puzzles.
Pastor Emeritus, William “Bill” Lewis, spoke of how Mrs. Black joined New Bethel under his leadership, as well as being his neighbor, for many years. Former first lady, Mrs. Geraldine Lewis and Miss Eva were coworkers at Cobia Boats in Sanford, for years. Another guest that worked with her at Cobia Boats, was her God-daughter, Celeste Thomas. A former coworker for Seminole County Public School’s Foster Grandparent program, where Miss Eva served for fifteen years, also came to celebrate.
Birthday guests showered Miss Eva with cards, flowers, gifts, and endless expressions of love – a truly momentous occasion! It was also a time for long-distance family members to catch up. Family photographer, Nekyna Bennett, was sure to capture all the memories.
Thank you to the event decorators, Felicia Bryant and Celeste Thomas, the event servers, Shirley Howard, Vourvon Mitchell, Jeanette Smith, and Celeste Thomas. Thank you to Special K Caterers of Daytona Beach, for the fabulous meal.
The family expresses thanks to everyone who helped make Ms. Eva Mae Black’s 100th Birthday Celebration, a success. We wish her more birthdays, and a happy, healthy new year!
