(sober instrumental music)
- I'm Lavona Evans, and I was born February the 14th, 1912,
the same day Arizona became a state,
and I've always been very proud of it.
But I didn't ever think I'd live to be 100.
That seems pretty old y'know.
- [Program Announcer] On February 14th, at 10 a.m.
in the year of 1912, President Howard Taft
signed Arizona into statehood.
We became the 48th state in the United States of America.
(crowd applauds)
(crowd talking)
- I wish I had somebody back here sittin' with me,
I feel silly.
- [Parade Announcer] All right ladies and gentlemen,
here she is, Tuesday she turns 100 on Initiation Day.
(crowd cheers)
- [Young Boy] Hey Grandma!
(crowd cheers)
- Are we about through?
I don't mind being 100 if I can take care of myself.
I had a very interesting childhood.
There were Indian wagons around the house all the time
because my folks, they treated the Indians real good.
And I thought they were real nice, I liked 'em.
Maybe somebody'll want those nuts as they go by, huh.
In a small town like Thatcher,
it's easy to be a good neighbor
'cause they stay in one place it seems like
you get to know 'em quite well.
Yeah, all the people that I've known have been good people.
I enjoy painting, and I enjoy doing things with my hands.
See I sew back here and quilt and paint, and so it's.
I've got, see these are all baby quilts
for when my grandkids are havin' kids.
I have 'em, yeah, and getting ready to give away.
I'll just make my bread and bake it in the oven,
mix it in a big ole pan like that.
Day before yesterday I made a dozen loaves,
but I give 'em away.
I try to keep busy.
Some days I might be too lazy to do anything.
Want me to toast you some bread?
I have 127 grandkids, so I've helped populate Arizona.
- I'm the youngest son of Cleona.
- Cleona, oh is that right?
- Yeah
- I don't always remember what their names are
because some of 'em I'll see
then I won't see 'em for a few years,
and they've changed and grown up,
and they have to tell me who they are again.
Oh, I guess if we all got together,
it would be a pretty good bunch.
- Mother we have something over 200 people
here this evening, honoring you
and your 100 years, and your life.
(calm instrumental music)
- I'm real happy I got this big ole family.
Yes, I do, the bigger the better.
The day I was born, I've always been proud of it.
Right after I started school and they talked about it,
I've always was glad I was born on that day.
I've got good neighbors, and I try to be a good neighbor.
You know, there's good people everywhere.
It's just where you settle and get acquainted,
try to be a good neighbor and be good to other people.
(calm instrumental music)