The Selma Times-Journal

Showing her sense of humor and love of music throughout, author Kathryn Tucker Windham celebrated her 90th birthday with a crowd of fans and friends Sunday.

She even tried to offer a distraction from the stifling heat that prevailed throughout the afternoon.

True to form, Windham broke out her comb and wax paper. A bevy of the makeshift instruments were passed around before the celebration officially began, and the crowd was obliged to join in a playlist of songs that included &8220;You are My Sunshine,&8221; &8220;When the Roll is Called Up Yonder&8221; and &8220;Down By the Riverside.&8221;

A New Orleans-style jazz band paraded up to the steps of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library, where the birthday celebration was held, and led the musical selections.

After 90 years, the majority of which were spent creating stories from her life experience, Windham revealed the key to her longevity in one word &8212; naps.

Of course, she was joking, but taking it easy never hurt.

Windham said she never imagined she would be the person that an entire community would come together over.

Apparently, the people who love Windham and her work didn&8217;t mind giving up their Sunday afternoon for her one bit.

Beth Riggs of Tuscaloosa brought along her own special birthday present &8212; a giant card with a map of Alabama that she passed around for everyone to sign.