Special to The Advocate

A special lady is about to celebrate a century of birthdays. In honor of Alva Watson Lee's 100th birthday, her friends and extended family are invited to join her family in the celebration of this milestone occasion at an open house on Saturday, April 28.

The event is slated for 1:30 p.m. at the Community of Christ Fellowship Hall (formerly the Saints Church) in McKenzie, located on Lower Garland Highway (formerly US 31). A family reunion will precede the open house.

Mrs. Lee was born April 30, 1907 to Margaret Eliza Lee and William Levy Waton. She is the only surviving child of the union. Her brothers were Ralph, Fred and Otis Watson and her sisters were Eva Lee, Aulry Harrison and Ruby Odom.

Mrs. Lee was born east of Georgiana in the Avant Community and later moved to the McKenzie area. Prior to her marriage to William Enoch Lee in 1937, she lived in East Brewton for nearly ten years before returning to McKenzie. After the couple's marriage, they moved into his parents' home where she lived for 63 years prior to moving to Georgiana to reside with her niece, Evelyn Sirmon. Mr. Lee passed away in 1981.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee were members of the Elizabeth Primitive Baptist Church in McKenzie, which Mrs. Lee still attends.

&#8220In her younger days, Alva was an avid gardener. Anyone driving past her yellow house near the railroad tracks in McKenzie frequently saw her with hoe in hand, working in her garden or flower beds,” said Nita Gibbons, a relative of Mrs. Lee, who now lives in Panama City.

&#8220At one time, she also had dairy cows and sold milk to area residents.”

Husband Enoch and his brothers, Dan and Jody, were the owners and operators of McKenzie Cotton Gin.

Mrs. Lee is the great-great-granddaughter of Gilbert and Nancy Proctor Watson and great-granddaughter of Levi and Elizabeth Lee Burkett of Avant. Her grandparents, William Gilbert and Drusilla Burkett Watson, relocated to East Brewton in Escambia County. Mrs. Lee's father and one sister, Della Watson Majors, remained in Butler County.

Her maternal great-grandparents were William Greenberry and Martha Lee of Covington County; grandparents are Hillary Thomas and Senie Davis Lee. She is also the great-granddaughter of John and Amanda Davis of Covington and Butler Counties.

&#8220We want all her old friends and family to come and join us for a special time to honor this wonderful lady next weekend,” said

Gibbons.