September 26 was a very special day for Louise Keyes. On that date 100 years ago, she was born in New York City.
Last Thursday, the dining area of the Annie B. Rose House, where she now resides, was filled with family and friends who came to honor her and the occasion. She recognized them by proclaiming, "It's great to be 100 years old, and I've had a wonderful time serving my church."
Keyes moved to Alexandria as a teenager and went to school with, and was a good friend of, Annie B. Rose. Keyes returned to New York as a young adult, according to her son, Bertell Knox, a resident of the District of Columbia.
When her first husband died, she returned to Alexandria and lived on North Patrick Street until 1997. She moved into the Annie B. Rose House at the age of 94. "The girls of Annie B. Rose gave me this party," she said as she lunched on her favorite dish, lobster.
State Sen. Patricia S. Ticer (D-30th) honored Keyes by presenting her with a letter of congratulations from the Virginia Senate. "What a wonderful day," Ticer said. "God smiled on us today. He knew one of his own was still with us," said Ticer.
Keyes responded by emphasizing, "It pays to serve him first. Everything else comes after. If you're not in church on Sunday, you are just not doing anything."
HER ATTENDANCE record was verified by A. Melvin Miller, a longtime friend and chairman of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority. "Miss Keyes comes to church every Sunday," he said, as he presented her with a dozen red roses.
Those around her acknowledged that working was always an important part of her life. She served in the U.S. General Services Administration for 55 years, serving presidents from Herbert Hoover to Gerald Ford.
And she still cherishes her independence at the Annie B. Rose House, where she is affectionately known as "Momma," according to Lisa J. Puma, property manager, who organized the celebration.
"She also embraces the changes she has witnessed over the last 100 years," Puma said.
"Since my mother has moved in here, I have met everyone. You are not only her friends but also her caretakers," Knox said. "I thank you all."
Keyes also praised those that came to the luncheon by saying, "I want to thank everyone who had anything to do with giving me this party and for coming."
She and her guests were treated to musical selections by Joseph Lucas and Alice Charity.