Belleville

Your photos: Family surprises Belleville woman with 100th birthday celebration

Belleville News-Democrat
Opal Lucille DeBoe (Turner) recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends, who hosted a surprise birthday party at St. John Church in Cahokia Heights. Ms. DeBoe was born in Carylyle and lived with her husband Hilliard in Belleville for more than 88 years. Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory officially proclaimed April 17, 2024, Opal Lucille DeBoe (Turner) Day in the city of Belleville, in honor of her 100th birthday.
Opal Lucille DeBoe (Turner) recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends, who hosted a surprise birthday party at St. John Church in Cahokia Heights. Ms. DeBoe was born in Carylyle and lived with her husband Hilliard in Belleville for more than 88 years. Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory officially proclaimed April 17, 2024, Opal Lucille DeBoe (Turner) Day in the city of Belleville, in honor of her 100th birthday.

Welcome to Your Turn, a special feature highlighting important moments in life, with images captured by our readers.

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If you have questions or feedback, please contact our editor, Jeffry Couch, at jcouch@bnd.com.

In the meantime, please enjoy this installment of Your Turn.

On Saturday, March 23rd, the Central Jr High Girls Volleyball Team won the SIJHSAA Class L State Championship at Pinckneyville High School. They finished the season with a record of 27-1 and captured Central Jr High’s first ever state championship in any sport. They also finished undefeated in conference play. Here are the champions: Back row, from left to right, Assistant Coach Kenslie Kehl, Assistant Coach Corinne Leech, Amelia Leech, Molly Duncan, Lela Stinson, Gabryella Hamilton, Destinee Wright, Head Coach Tiffany Thurwalker. From row, from left to right, Emma Thompson, Jasmine Patel, Macy Hemmerle, Chloe Greenwood
On Saturday, March 23rd, the Central Jr High Girls Volleyball Team won the SIJHSAA Class L State Championship at Pinckneyville High School. They finished the season with a record of 27-1 and captured Central Jr High’s first ever state championship in any sport. They also finished undefeated in conference play. Here are the champions: Back row, from left to right, Assistant Coach Kenslie Kehl, Assistant Coach Corinne Leech, Amelia Leech, Molly Duncan, Lela Stinson, Gabryella Hamilton, Destinee Wright, Head Coach Tiffany Thurwalker. From row, from left to right, Emma Thompson, Jasmine Patel, Macy Hemmerle, Chloe Greenwood Provided Provided
Kennedy Cason of East St. Louis, recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by improving the lives of seniors in her community.
Kennedy Cason of East St. Louis, recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by improving the lives of seniors in her community. Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Kameron Gresham of Shiloh recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by creating a room at her church just for teens.
Kameron Gresham of Shiloh recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by creating a room at her church just for teens. Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Emily Dunn of Belleville recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by creating sleeping mats that provide better sleeping surfaces for homeless people in her community.
Emily Dunn of Belleville recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by creating sleeping mats that provide better sleeping surfaces for homeless people in her community. Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Theo Jackson from O’Fallon recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by combining her love of art with her desire to address mental health.
Theo Jackson from O’Fallon recently became a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by combining her love of art with her desire to address mental health. Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Provided by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Belleville Elks Lodge #481 made donations to the following organizations represented in the photo: Interfaith Food Pantry and Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Downtown Belleville YMCA, Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County, Illinois Center for Autism, and the Catholic War Veterans. Pictured with the group is Lauren Elliott (second from right), president.
Belleville Elks Lodge #481 made donations to the following organizations represented in the photo: Interfaith Food Pantry and Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Downtown Belleville YMCA, Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County, Illinois Center for Autism, and the Catholic War Veterans. Pictured with the group is Lauren Elliott (second from right), president. Provided by Belleville Elks Lodge #481 Provided by Belleville Elks Lodge #481

This story was originally published April 28, 2024 at 5:30 AM.

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