JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — One local woman celebrated a milestone on Sunday that few will reach in their lifetimes.

Eloise Michaels West commemorated her 108th birthday on Sunday, surrounded by family and loved ones.

West was born on Aug. 10, 1917. She moved to Jacksonville as a young girl, where she attended the old Lavilla School and old Stanton High School. She still attends Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church.

While she grew up in Jacksonville, she lived many years in Connecticut. But she returned to the River City in 2000 and has stayed ever since.

West is a monarch of five generations. Her husband, Marcellous West, was a World War II veteran. 

West served for years as a professional custodian and was still driving well into her 90s. Her loved ones said she was always cooking and volunteering her time helping those who needed it.

City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman was in attendance for the momentous occasion Sunday afternoon, and she brought a special gift: a proclamation to honor West’s 108th birthday. The proclamation commemorates West’s life, achievements and the wisdom she shares over a century.

When asked about her secret to living a long life, West said there isn’t one.

“It’s no secret,” she said. “I lived the same kind of life you all live. It’s just that the Lord has kept me here long. It’s not that I did such a great thing. No, I made mistakes. I went the wrong way. I had fun. I did the same thing. So that’s part of living.”

West added that everyone should live their lives their own way, no matter what anyone else says.

“You will have to live your own life,” she said. “I don’t care what I want people to know. Everybody’s got to live their life their way. They can’t imitate nobody. You’re gonna have to stand on your own.”