Galatia woman celebrates century mark

Viola Dickens of Galatia turned 100 years old Saturday, Sept. 17. She is the oldest living person in her family.

Dickens was born in 1916. She is originally from Chicago. She married, but never had children, just a host of nieces and nephews.

In her younger years, she worked as a switchboard operator. Later on, she became an organist for her church. She also played for other churches around town as well.

Dickens also taught piano lessons in her spare time.

She is desribed her niece, Ingrid Spencer, as "a very loving and caring woman who has always taken care of her family. Now that she is no longer able to take care of herself, her nieces and nephews are taking care of her."