By J. Pamela Stills
Special to the AFRO
On Sept. 10 the City of Alexandria, Va. honored its residents who are or will be 100 years old or older by Dec. 31. The centenarian ceremony, held at Alexandria City Hall, brought together city employees, loved ones and guests to join in the celebration.
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Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks (left) and granddaughter, LaJuanne Russell, are all smiles after being acknowledged by city leaders. Cross Brooks enjoys indulging in a Krispy Kreme raspberry-filled jelly donut daily. (Photos courtesy of J. Pamela Stills) -
Attendees of the City of Alexandria’s recognition of its centenarian residents were presented with an opportunity to write birthday wishes to those being honored. (Photos courtesy of J. Pamela Stills) -
Charles Funderburk (left), is accompanied by his daughter Jane Funderburk, granddaughter Clarissa Winslow and family friend, Franklyn Bundu, as he receives recognition from the city of Alexandria during its centenarian celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Charles Funderburk is 101 years old. (Photos courtesy of J. Pamela Stills)
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Alexandria centenarian Charles Funderburk looks upon his certificate and city coin. (Photos courtesy of J. Pamela Stills) -
Attendees of the City of Alexandria’s centenarian celebration included retired Judge Nolan Dawkins(left), Beatrice Cross Taylor, Beverly Eaves and Verdella Jennings. (Photos courtesy of J. Pamela Stills)
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Kate Garvey (left), director of the Department of Community and Human Services speaks to the crowd after Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson delivers remarks to the centenarians in attendance. (Photos courtesy of J. Pamela Stills)
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Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson delivers congratulatory remarks to the attending centenarians. Participants receive a certificate honoring their lifetime achievements and a recognition coin. (Photos courtesy of J. Pamela Stills)
Thirteen centenarians made the roll in 2024:
Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks, 100 years old; Dorothea G. Campbell, 101; Jose Croll, 101; Addie Lee Foster, 102; Mediha Frank ,100; Charles F. Funderburk ,101; Walther A. Hammersley, 102; Virginia Hoge, 100; Florence Katz ,100; Marjorie “Peggy” Knowlton, 101; Jane Sara, 104; Alice Schmidt, 104, and Donna Hamilton Shor, 100.
Kate Garvey, director of the Department of Community and Human services, provided opening remarks. Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, gave congratulatory remarks and presented the in-person attendees with a certificate and city coin. A musical performance was delivered by the Alexandria citizens band.
Two of the four in-person attendees were Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks and Charles F. Funderburk. Lois Madolyn Cross Brooks is the last surviving member of nine siblings. Mrs. Cross Brooks has one son, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was accompanied to the ceremony by her granddaughter LaJuanne Russell. Mrs. Cross Brooks enjoys reading, interacting with youth, keeping up with political happenings, traveling and is actively engaged working in her granddaughter’s firm, Business Management Associates. Mrs. Cross Brooks shared some secrets to her longevity which includes fresh food, plenty of rest and enjoying an indulgence– hers being a Krispy Kreme raspberry-filled donut every day.
Charles Funderburk served in the Civilian Conservation Corps under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He settled in Alexandria in 1946, working for the St. Agnes School Board. He would later be employed by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association (George Washington Estate), working for almost 50 years until his retirement. Mr. Funderburk has four children and was accompanied by his daughter Jane Funderburk, granddaughter Clarissa Winslow and family friend Franklyn Bundu.
In attendance at the ceremony, Judge Nolan Dawkins, retired. Judge Dawkins was one of five Black students to integrate the former George Washington High School. He later became the first Black judge in Alexandria in 1994, starting in juvenile and domestic relations court, a court where “you can make a difference.” Judge Dawkins retired from the bench in June 2020.
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