Virginia Reed Branch, a lifelong resident of Farmville, celebrated her 100th birthday on May 20 at The Woodland, where she currently resides. The event was well-attended by Beulah A.M.E church members, family and friends. There were four generations of family members represented that hailed from Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia. Written acknowledgements included a letter from President W. Taylor Reveley IV at Longwood University, where Virginia retired after nearly 30 years of service. Virginia, who is known for her poetry, responded to her tribute by reciting one of her poems entitled “Stay In Touch With God.” The group agreed that the title of the poem and this amazing 100-year-old woman’s legacy will continue to inspire her loved ones. Pictured are, from left, Milton Word, Beverly Paige Cobbs, Sarah Paige Brown, Virginia Reed Branch, Butch Watkins and Betsy Woodward.