Family, friends and community members gathered Tuesday at the Salvation Army of Orange County to mark the 90th birthday of Betty Harmon. Guests shared stories, enjoyed refreshments and visited with Harmon throughout the afternoon, and more people arrived as the day went on.
Harmon said the turnout meant a lot to her. "This feels wonderful," she said. "It captured my heart to see how many people have come to show their love for me." Guests included relatives, lifelong friends, former coworkers and community leaders, many of whom have known her for decades through civic and charitable groups.
Harmon helped bring Mardi Gras celebrations to Orange, served as a longtime leader with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce and has given decades of service to the Salvation Army. Her longest friend, Cecil Broom, said the two have been friends since their children were babies. Broom's daughter, Dianne Stephenson, said the two families have shared camping trips, holidays and many other events over the years.