The Demopolis Times

UNIONTOWN &045; Although her birthday isn’t officially until Oct. 6, Mary Witherspoon celebrated her 100th year of life with family and friends Saturday, Oct. 1.

As she sat under a shade tree in the yard of her Uniontown home, Witherspoon received presents and cash from her loved ones.

Born and raised in Newbern, Witherspoon said she’d always rather sit with her mother than go play

with her six sisters and five brothers.

At the age of 41, Witherspoon moved to Uniontown after her first home burned down.

For money, she worked at the King Pharr okra plant.

As a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown where Rev. Daniel Arthur is the pastor, Witherspoon said she enjoys praying, reading the Bible and singing in her spare time.

Although she only has one son, Witherspoon has eight grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren to keep her on her toes as well.

She recently received two letters, one from Uniontown’s mayor, Phillip White, and the other from Governor Bob Riley, congratulating her on the 100-year celebration.

According to her family, Witherspoon rose from her wheelchair and put out a house fire by herself sometime last year and is still awaiting a letter of acknowledgement from mayor White for her heroic actions.

Although Witherspoon is celebrating 100, she isn’t the only member of her family to live past a century.

Witherspoon said she is grateful for &8220;anything&8221; she gets for her birthday because she has enough joy simply being able to enjoy the day.

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