DORIS Wheelwright, who celebrates her 100th birthday today, has been a member of the same church since she was just three years old.
She has been involved with Oakes Baptist Church near her home for 97 years and still says a prayer for her two great grandsons every night before she goes to bed.
Doris married Cyril in 1931 and they had many happy years together until his death in 1986. They had a daughter, Betty, who died in 1984.
Doris has a grandson, David – a teacher at Colne Valley High School – and two great grandchildren.
Doris has lived in the Oakes area all her life except for five years in Birmingham when Cyril worked there during the 1930s.
Doris worked in the textile industry doing various jobs including twisting and mending and worked at Plover Mills at Oakes for Smith and Calverly – later Mickelsons – for 35 years.
She was also a cleaner at Outlane Infants School and a waitress at The George Hotel. She continued to work until she was 73.
David said: “Doris remains quite independent despite having broken both hips and her wrist in recent years. She says that the secret of a long life is to work hard and to try to stay happy.”
She celebrated her big day with a party at home for friends, neighbours and family.
