News Summary
Neva Sutton marked her 101st birthday at Waltonwood Twelve Oaks, surrounded by her loving family and friends. The celebration featured her favorite foods and heartfelt messages, showcasing her vibrant personality and resilience. Born in Wisconsin, Neva enjoyed a life filled with family, love, and rich experiences, ultimately becoming a proud matriarch with 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Despite health challenges, she embraces life with positivity, attributing her longevity to a strong faith and active lifestyle.
Novi – Neva Sutton celebrated her remarkable 101st birthday on May 21 at Waltonwood Twelve Oaks, surrounded by family and friends. The joyous occasion highlighted the centenarian’s engaging personality and her love for life. During the festivities, attendees enjoyed Neva’s favorite treats, including Kentucky Fried Chicken, root beer floats, and chocolate cupcakes, while classical piano music filled the air and sunflowers decorated the space.
Neva, who resides independently in her own apartment at the senior living community, expressed feelings of being overwhelmed but excited for the day’s events. Her son contributed to the celebration with a heartfelt message displayed on a board that read, “Happy 101 Mom. You are loved so much.”
Life Journey and Achievements
Born on May 21, 1924, in Hingham, Wisconsin, Neva was the third of seven children. Her childhood was marked by significant historical milestones, notably witnessing the passage of the 19th Amendment and the Great Depression. Neva’s father was a veterinarian, which provided their family with a stable income during those challenging times.
Growing up, Neva enjoyed a pleasant childhood near a mill pond and engaged in various jobs as a teenager, including cashiering, picking strawberries, and performing on a Lake Michigan cruise ship. After graduating from Sheboygan High School in 1941, she attended Stout Institute, majoring in home economics, and graduated in 1945.
In 1946, Neva married Chuck Kleist and relocated to Flint, Michigan, where she worked as a teacher. They had four children: Jon, Tom, Sue, and Bill. The family eventually returned to Michigan in 1964, after spending some time away. Descriptions from her children paint Neva as a devoted mother who fostered a positive and loving home environment.
Later Years
After Chuck retired in 1983, the couple moved back to Wisconsin but returned to Michigan in 1994. They also enjoyed half the year in Palm City, Florida, until Chuck passed away in 1999 after over 53 years of marriage. In 2003, Neva remarried Paul Sutton, the pastor of Southfield United Presbyterian Church, who later required memory care before passing away in 2017.
Neva moved to Waltonwood in 2020 after experiencing health challenges during the COVID pandemic. Despite these difficulties, Neva maintains a positive outlook on life. She has expressed that her strong faith in God has significantly benefited her and her family.
Family and Hobbies
Neva is a proud grandmother of 12 and has 19 great-grandchildren, with twins expected in July. Her approach to longevity includes emphasizing good genes, a positive attitude, and an active lifestyle. Neva participates in various activities, such as reading, completing crosswords, and watching the Detroit Tigers play.
She enjoys musical events, baking, painting, and dining on her favorite foods, which include Buddy’s pizza, KFC, and chocolate. Neva enjoys drinking wine and is well-known for her excitement to engage in community activities, often stating her desire to avoid idleness.
A Legacy of Love
As Neva Sutton celebrated her 101st birthday, her life story reflects resilience, dedication to family, and a remarkable ability to face life’s challenges with unwavering positivity. Surrounded by loved ones and indulging in her favorite pastimes, Neva demonstrated that age is truly just a number, and joy can be found in every moment.
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Additional Resources
- Hometown Life: Novi Centenarian Celebrates 101st Birthday
- Wikipedia: Centenarian
- Sarajevo Times: Bosnian Osman Samouk Celebrated His 101st Birthday
- Google Search: Longevity Tips
- Little Guide Detroit: 101 Awesome Birthday Party Locations
- Google News: Centenarians
- Click on Detroit: Tastes of the Nautical Mile Restaurant Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Neva Sutton
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
