Nationwide — Lelia Mae Williams, an African American woman from DeKalb County, Georgia, is celebrating having turned 100 years old with family and friends. Her loved ones say she remains active, independent, and full of energy.
The celebration took place on Saturday at an event center in Decatur. Williams, known for her strong memory and lively spirit, still shops for her own groceries and enjoys getting out.
“I’ve taken her to the grocery store and she walks around picking out her own groceries,” Telisha Murray told WSB-TV. “So she is very lively to be 100 years old and in her right mind. Her memory goes back so far, and she can remember it all.”
Williams is known in her family for teaching strong values. Relatives say she raised them to work hard, attend church, and treat others with love and kindness.
The milestone event became a chance for the family to honor her legacy and celebrate her long, meaningful life.
In the United States, the odds of living to be 100 are relatively low but steadily increasing. As of recent data, about 1 in every 5,000 Americans is a centenarian, and women are far more likely to reach this milestone than men.