Mayor Phillip Jones Pays Special Visit to Centenarian
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (July 15, 2026) — Newport News resident Alva Oakley joined the “centenarian club” this summer, turning 100 on June 21. To help celebrate the occasion, Mayor Phillip Jones paid a special visit to Oakley, who is a resident at The Arbor at Port Warwick, an independent living community for active seniors and part of the Virginia Health Services (VHS) portfolio.
“The whole team at The Arbor is thrilled to celebrate this milestone birthday with Alva and thanks Mayor Jones for joining in the festivities,” said Chandal Jackson, director of senior living sales at VHS. At The Arbor, Oakley participates in a range of activities, from doing arts and crafts, to listening to musical performances; she also loves to read.
Throughout her lifetime, Oakley, who was born in Baltimore, lived in numerous places both near and far, including Iowa, California, Newfoundland and Japan. She was married to the love of her life, Grover Cleveland Oakley Jr., a pilot in United States Air Force, and the pair had a son and a daughter. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Known for thinking of others, Oakley asked family and friends not to give her birthday gifts this year, instead asking them to donate to the American Heart Association as a tribute to her late husband and son.
Located at 1100 William Styron Square, The Arbor at Port Warwick offers a fulfilling, worry-free lifestyle with beautifully appointed apartments, gourmet dining, an engaging mix of programming and activities, convenience services, and supportive amenities. Residents also have access to onsite short-term rehabilitation services, should the need arise.
The VHS portfolio is supported by Marquis Health Consulting Services. VHS has been a senior healthcare staple in southeastern Virginia since 1963.
PHOTO CAPTION: Newport News resident Alva Oakley (left), who lives at The Arbor at Port Warwick, with Mayor Phillip Jones
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The Arbor at Port Warwick
1100 William Styron Square, Newport News, Va. 23606
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