13 Hanover residents celebrated for being centenarians

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County celebrated 13 residents on Thursday for reaching the life milestone of being a centenarian -- a person that has lived to be 100 years old.

The Centenarian Celebration event was held at Covenant Woods in Mechanicsville on Thursday, May 8. It served to honor people who have celebrated or will soon celebrate their 100th birthday, such as 104-year-old Jayne Paschall.

(Photo: Hanover County)

Paschall, who was born and raised in the area, is still active in the community -- participating in dancing, knitting, reading, playing bridge and church activities, according to a county release.

Nine of the individuals at the event were returning honorees, but there were four new faces added to the centenarian club, the county said.

One of the new faces was Evelyn Kirby, who will celebrate her 100th birthday next week. She's reportedly had quite the adventurous life, full of mountain climbing, whitewater rafting and more.

(Photo: Hanover County)

In terms of what these individuals credit for their longevity, Kirby said she stays active, eats three meals a day, has never smoked and is kind to everyone she meets, according to the county.

To learn more about the event, which is held in partnership with the Hanover Council on Aging, Covenant Woods and the Social Security Administration, contact the Department of Community Resources at 804-365-4300.

(Photo: Hanover County)

For more information about the other centenarians that were honored, click here.