102 years young: a Wilmington’s woman celebration with some very special guests

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington woman celebrated her 102nd birthday on Monday, with several special guests coming out to honor her.

Viola Neely celebrated alongside New Hanover County Sheriff Edward McMahon and members of his office, plus MacGruff the Crime Dog.

Neely became close with the sheriff and his office as part of the R-U-O-K program, where the Sheriff’s Office makes daily check-in calls to residents.

Neely is from New Jersey and moved down to Wilmington following the death of her husband to be close to her daughter.

Neely said she’s outlived her relatives and is thankful to her family and her faith for her long life.

“I grew up with my grandparents, they brought me up and my uncle, and we just got along good,” Neely said. “And I just pray every day for God to help me, keep me, I leave it all to God.”

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo also came out to celebrate with Viola and she received a signed photo from Pittsburgh Steelers player and Ashley High School alum Alex Highsmith.