Centenarian Josephine T. McElvey

Centenarian Josephine T. McElvey is honored by UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging's Foundation.

At the age of 14, McElvey moved to Chicago, Ill., where she graduated from high school. In 1933, she married Dr. Donald McElvey. She moved to Lexington during World War II and put her horticulture skills to use on the Central Kentucky Area War Gardens. 

"She was instrumental in establishing the Episcopal Church of St. Michael the Archangel and is an active participant in the Lexington/Fayette County Junior Garden Club," said nominator Doug Price. "During her chairmanship of the club, the group won the U.S. National Junior Garden Club Award in Washington D.C.  McElvey also utilized her flower design talents through volunteer work and commercial positions in Kentucky and Florida. She has traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, and South America.  In 2008, McElvey’s yard was included in a book about notable Kentucky gardens.

"Even at 100 years old, McElvey is always looking forward to the future. She lives life to the fullest. Through mentoring young horticulture and landscape students, she has also shared her time-tested lessons about embracing life’s ups and downs."

McElvey has two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and loves sharing her beautiful stories with family and friends.