Lillian Vause Wilcox marks 100 years rooted in Lenoir County
Mrs. Lillian Vause Wilcox recently celebrated her 100th birthday, marking a century of life spent almost entirely in southern Lenoir County.
Wilcox, who turned 100 on Feb. 5, lives in the Southwood community and has remained in the same area her entire life. She was born on a farm and raised by a father who farmed the land. Outside of travel with her husband, she said she has never lived anywhere else.
“I’ve always lived right in this circle,” Wilcox said. “First in the little house, and then this one. My husband just kept building houses.”
Wilcox attributes her longevity to staying active and independent. Until about two years ago, she continued to drive herself throughout the county, buying groceries, attending church, and keeping regular appointments, including getting her hair washed every week.
“I drove my car where I wanted to for 98 years,” she said.
Wilcox was married for 53 years. She described her husband as a good man who took care of her and said that marriage remains one of her most cherished memories.
“I had a good husband that took care of me,” she said. “That was a good memory.”
The couple traveled extensively, including a 16-day trip to Europe and visits to Vancouver and Cuba. Wilcox recalled traveling to Cuba shortly after being married, describing it as a brief and uneasy experience that ended after two nights.
“We got scared,” she said. “So we came back to Florida.”
Wilcox is the oldest active member of Southwest Christian Church, where she has attended since infancy. She was married there and remains a member today.
“I started as a baby and never went anywhere,” she said.
Though she did not have biological children, Wilcox helped raise family members and adopted a son from Greensboro. He later passed away in 2019 after struggling with diabetes. Wilcox cared for him in her home until his death.
“I waited on him until he died,” she said.
Wilcox has lived through some of the most significant moments in American history, including the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the introduction of Social Security.
“When Social Security came in, that saved the country,” she said. “People were starving during that time.”
She said she remembers historical events clearly and has always paid close attention to the news.
Wilcox learned to drive at age 9 on the family farm, before driver’s licenses were required. When licenses became mandatory, she obtained one and continued driving well into her late 90s.
Family members describe her as strong-willed and independent. She credits her nephew Donny as her closest relative today, joking that he gives her instructions, though she does things her own way.
“I listen to him,” she said, “and then I do as I please.”
Community members who wish to send birthday cards are encouraged to send them to Southwest Christian Church at 890 Neuse Rd, Kinston, NC 28501.
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