Kindness, humor and health guide Martha Powell as she celebrates 100th birthday
Oh, what a blessing it is to celebrate 100 years of life. One hundred years ago, in Coolidge, Georgia, on Jan. 19, 1924, Mr. and Mrs. Horace and Bama Ray gave birth to a beautiful baby girl whom they named Martha Ruth Powell.
Powell made her way to Tallahassee, Florida, in 1940 when she married the late J.D Smith and started her family. Powell is the matriarch of her family; she is the mother of five children, the grandmother to over 35 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as being the oldest living sibling out of 14 sisters and brother.
Her career as a silk finisher expanded across six decades in the dry-cleaning industry. After working diligently for 60 years Martha retired. She was missed by many. Upon retiring, Powell devoted her time to her growing family as well as her church family at Friendship Primitive Baptist Church.
Powell took on the role of Treasurer of the Pastor’s Aide Board, a role she served in for many years. Martha’s sweet potato pies have a yummy reputation around her church, and she enjoys seeing the smiling faces of her family and friends when she serves them. Martha is still an active member of her church and enjoys attending tele services and bible study. Martha currently holds the title as the oldest member of the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church.
Powell faced many challenges and struggles throughout her lifetime. But she was determined to treat everyone she met with kindness and the love of God. This approach served her well as she currently lives a life filled with an immeasurable amount of love, joy, and kindness that she continues to give and receive daily.
Powell is best known throughout her community for her generosity, her heart for children in need, (as she has assisted in raising multiple grandchildren), her witty sense of humor and most of all her strength, courage, and love.
Martha sums up this major milestone by saying “I thank God for keeping me in good health, a sound mind, and a humble spirit. I am living a joyous, fulfilling life with the love and support of my family and friends. As they say in the old church, ‘If the Lord doesn’t do anything else for me, He has DONE ENOUGH!' "
Her family has organized a surprised celebration to honor Martha Powell on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Old West Enrichment Center in Tallahassee.
Celebrating a 100th birthday?
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Oldest member of her church, Martha Powell celebrates 100th birthday
