Commissioner Virginia Betteridge led a celebration on March 14 to mark the 100th- birthday of Paulsboro resident Virginia Warrens.
The event – held at the Carol Norcross Senior Social Wellness Center in Blackwood – included about 40 seniors from the center, along with family and friends, who presented Warrens with a large sheet cake as they reflected on the milestone and Warrens’ interests and passions.
Born in Virginia a century ago, Warrens was also raised in Paulsboro. She’s been an active member of the Norcross center since 2017, engaging in her passions for reading, crafting, painting, ceramics, puzzles and other activities.
Betteridge noted how Warrens – a mother of two, grandmother to five and great-grandmother to nine – is an inspiration to fellow seniors at the center not just because of her age, but because of personality and active engagement.
“Most of the other seniors are much younger, and she’s an inspiration because of her age and personality,’ Betteridge noted. “She is bubbly and joyous. She still catches the bus at her age, comes to the center each week, and goes home.”
Betteridge explained that she was inspired to hold the celebration of Warrens’ centennial because of the woman’s links to a century of history – and the wisdom that comes with it.
“What inspired me is that one of our county residents makes history,” Betteridge said. “She was born March 14, 1924. Within 10 years, she lived through history, and can you imagine? She is impeccable.
“I respect that generation,” Betteridge added. “It’s an amazing accomplishment, and when I think about when I went to school and we had history lessons, I think about stories I learned.
“Meeting someone that lived through this history is amazing.”
Betteridge also reflected on Warrens’ enduring faith and emphasized how she is a guiding light for younger generations.
“Her faith in God, I think, making a commitment to partake and worship in Camden County, she’s crossing over our entire county to continue to attend her church,” Betteridge explained. “And just the way she’s a God-fearing woman and along the way, she has left her mark.”
Sheer longevity also matters when it comes to Warrens.
“To be able to reach your 100th birthday is an incredible milestone that deserves to be honored and commemorated,” Betteridge observed. “Virginia is a beloved member of the Camden County community, and I am honored to celebrate her on this momentous occasion.”
