Mrs. Willa Mae Curry of Washington celebrated her 83rd birthday on October 19.

The weekend before family and friends gathered from New York, Chicago and parts of Georgia to wish her well along with her brotherin law, Charles Curry Jr., also of Washington, who celebrated his 83rd birthday October 10.

Mrs. Curry, much beloved by her family which includes her husband of more than 40 years, John Albert Curry, her brother, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, is a member of Twin Oak Baptist Church. She was a devoted daughter who for many years took excellent care of her mother, Lila, in her home until her death.

She has always been a great homemaker and wonderful cook who specializes in great dinners and desserts. She is a retired manager of cleaners chain in New York.

According to her family who honored her, Mrs. Curry has always accepted life's challenges and executed them with a head held high with so much style, grace, class and dignity. At the party her family acknowledged her with honor and respect for all her love and accomplishments, thanked God for her, and wished her many wonderful days to enjoy and "smell the flowers".