Joan never gives up on Pompey
Although she is originally from Nottinghamshire, Portsmouth is the place Joan Geary calls home.
An avid reader of The News, having it delivered every day, and a dedicated Pompey fan, Joan can’t quite believe she has celebrated her 100th birthday.
‘My best advice is to just keep going,’ says Joan, laughing.
Born Eveline Joan Avis – known as Joan – on January 4, 1921, she grew up in Newark, Nottinghamshire, before working in a factory where she met her future husband, Harold Geary.
Joan says: ‘We worked in a factory which made nuts and bolts and would meet at the end of the road after work.’
Harold was drafted into the army in May 1940 and the couple married in Carlisle in the following October. Harold was stationed at one of the Solent Forts and Joan moved to their home at Ryde, Isle of Wight.
The Gearys never returned north and made Portsmouth their home.
Harold died in 1968 and Joan brought up their two sons, Stephen and Tony, and daughter Avis, who sadly passed away three years ago suffering from Huntington’s Disease.
Today, Joan has five grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.
One lifelong passion for Joan is Portsmouth Football Club.
Joan explains: ‘I love Fratton Park. I have been going since 1969.
‘This is the first year I haven’t bought a season ticket. My sons say I should next year though because I will be able to go with the vaccine.
‘I’ve got all the gear and all the shirts, hats and scarves. I went to Wembley in 2008 when we won the FA cup.’
Joan’s big birthday bash is currently on hold because of coronavirus restrictions. She says: ‘Be sociable and be thankful for what you have got.
‘I know we’re not doing much at the moment but we have got to give and take.’