Minnie Ruth Dandridge Martin celebrates her 100th birthday in pandemic style
From the Martinsville-region COVID-19/coronavirus daily update from state, nation and world: June 30 series
The 100th birthday of Minnie Ruth Dandridge Martin was celebrated in grand style Sunday during a drive-by -- of sorts -- event at at Meadow Christian Church in Martinsville. She wore a crown and a sash and was dressed in her Sunday finest, and everyone else wore masks in respect of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. She watched, surrounded by family members, some nearly as old as she, and well-wishers, as a parade of vehicles looped past the church, led by emergency vehicles from the city and Henry County. She also received proclamations of her day from both the city and the county.Â
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100th birthday celebrant Minnie Martin wears a crown and holds flowers presented to commemorate her day.
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Family members escort Martin from the car to her seat on the porch.
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Cousin Willie Mae Staples (left) and brother Johnnie Dandridge of Norfolk, who is 98, sit in front of the church with Martin.
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Staying at a safe distance, friends gave their cards to Martin by driving through the church driveway.
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Sarah Hayes collecting cards from a well-wisher at mother's birthday party.
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Martinsville Vice-Mayor Chad Martin (left), City Council member Jim Wood and Mayor Kathly Lawson present proclamations from both the city and Henry County.
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City of Martinsville's proclamation.
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Martinsville Mayor Kathy Lawson presents the proclamation to Martin.
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Henry County's proclamation.
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Everyone who attended from the youngest to the oldest a wore mask
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A fire truck drives through the church parking lot during the parade.
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Martin is greeted by granddaughter Tonjonna Hayes and her son, Monore Dandridge.
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Johnnie Dandridge, 98, talks to Martin on the phone every day.
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Joyce Staples helps place the 100th birthday sash on Martin.
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Joyce Staples reads the awards that were presented.
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Martinsville Sheriff's motorcycles lead the parade in Martin's honor.
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Martinsville Mayor Kathy Lawson with Martin.
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Minnie Martin waves to the parade of representatives of the Martinsville Sheriff's Office, the Henry County Sheriff's Office, the Martinsville Police Department and other emergency departments.
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Behind Martin is her daughter Sarah Hayes and beside her is her son Monroe Dandridge.
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Martin receives a proclamation from the city of Martinsville with her son Monroe Dandridge, Mayor Kathy Lawson, Vice-Mayor Chad Martin city maylor Chad Martin, Martinsville City Council member Jim Wood and nephew Mike Martin.
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Martin talks with her cousin, Willie Mae Staples, who is 93.
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Minnie Martin during the parade.
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The large crowd on hand at Meadow Christian Church.
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Watching the parade with Martinare her son Monroe Dandridge and granddaughter Tonjonna Hayes.
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Well-wishers listen as members of Martin's family talk about how much she has helped them during her lifetime.
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Well-wishers greet Martin.
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Martinsville City Council member Jim Wood (from left) and Vice Mayor Chad Martin listen as Martinsville Mayor Kathy Lawson reads the city's proclamation.
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