Essex's beloved Joan Keeble celebrates 100th birthday

Known for her unwavering positivity, Joan Keeble turned 100-years-old on Thursday, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

The centenarian had a day filled with visitors to Woodbury Court, in Basildon, with her first cuddles from her newest great-great granddaughter, Ivy, and a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Amazing - Joan surrounded by five generations of family (Image: Leonie Gray)

Sisters Leonie Gray, 38, from Canvey, and Siobhan Keeble, 34, from Basildon, said it was a really special day for their nan.

Siobhan added: "It was an amazing day, that she had filled with visitors. A total of five generations together in one room.

"It was really special to receive the card, especially as it was also signed by Camilla as Grandad actually bought nan a replica of Camilla's engagement ring as she loved it so much.

Special - Some of Joan's card she has received (Image: Leonie Gray)

"The children were also amazed to see her card as they had seen many from the late Queen that she had received from her 80 years of marriage.

"She has always lived life with a smile and found the best in everything, especially having to adapt to the big changes in the world over the last 100 years."

Joan spent more than 80 years married to her late husband Ernest, who sadly died in February 2021.

The couple first met aged just 11 and 12 at Craylands School and spent a lifetime together.

They even sent love letters to one another during the Second World War.

Love - Joan with her late husband Ernest before he sadly passed away (Image: Leonie Gray)

Siobhan added: "Nan was really amazed to have reached the triple digits, and her late husband Ernest would have been so proud.

"She has always loved being surrounded by children, they help keep her young at heart, whether it is her grandchildren, or the wonderful kids who walk past and wave daily through the window.

Happy - More of Joan's family visiting her on her birthday (Image: Leonie Gray)

"She wants to tell people to just enjoy every moment, even at 100 years old, it goes by very fast. Keep your loved ones close, and 'always always always love them to the moon and back'."