VALDOSTA — Virginia Cole Brightwell of Valdosta, Georgia, is celebrating her 100 birthday on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Brightwell was born in Ocilla, Georgia, in 1924 to Charles Alford Cole and Virginia Ruth Turner Cole.

She was married to John Carrol Brightwell until his death in 1985. She continues to live independently at her home on Bemiss Road. Her family said she has a strong faith in God and a bright mind. She reads the Valdosta Daily Times every day.

Brightwell worked in Chicago in her youth. She lived near Wrigley Field and passed it daily on her way to work. She worked in Valdosta at the local library.

Her family has a rich history in Valdosta. Her mother’s brother, E. L. Turner, began work as a typesetter at The South Georgia Times and The Valdosta Times, the precursors to the Valdosta Daily Times, in 1889. Later, as the newspaper’s editor and publisher, Turner converted the biweekly paper to a daily newspaper in 1905 on the occasion of a sensational murder trial in Valdosta.

He began his career at the monthly compensation rate of $40/month. Turner worked at the newspaper for 74 years until his 100 birthday in 1963. He lived until the age of 103.

Brightwell’s family obviously is genetically blessed with longevity. We wish her a happy birthday and many happy returns.