A Weekend of Celebrations for Mrs. Dora Spiva
By JANIE HOLBROOK Sentinel Writer
A church-wide lunch honoring Dora Hunter Allison Spiva was yet another party for "Aunt Dora." During the morning worship service at Choestoe Baptist Church, Mrs. Spiva - a lifelong member of the church was recognized on the occasion of her 103rd birthday. Mrs. Doris Souther, a niece of "Miss" Dora's read the proclamation that had been issued by Lamar Paris, Commissioner of Union County, on the previous Friday declaring February 10th as Dora Spiva Day in Union County. All of the February birthdays were announced and the congregations sang "Happy Birthday" as the birthday honorees all gathered near the pulpit.

Sentinel photo/Frank Bradley Aunt Dora blows out the candles on her 103rd birthday cake.

The first Sunday of each month birthdays are celebrated with a covered dish lunch following the service at Choestoe Baptist. This month the luncheon was moved to the second Sunday because of Mrs. Spiva's very special day.

After the sermon, delivered by the pastor, Rev. Ken Zollinger, many members, family, friends and former students who attended the service bowed their head for the blessing led by State Rep. Charles Jenkins. The birthday honorees surrounded a beautiful heart shaped birthday cake and the privilege of blowing out the candles was given to "Aunt Dora" with much applause following. She was also presented with several beautiful floral bouquets.

Sentinel photo/Frank Bradley Aunt Dora visits with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jenkins during her celebration party at Choestoe Baptist.