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Demopolis resident Bertha Bailey turned 100 years old in February and she has spent almost of those years in Marengo County.

Born on Feb. 18, 1919 in Jefferson, she grew up the daughter of a farming family. She grew up to have a large family of her own, with five children, 17 grandchildren, 18 great-granchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Her husband Ed Bailey, was in the military and passed away in the 1980s.

Bertha said the road to 100 has been an adventure and that she feels blessed.

“I’m proud to be 100. There’s been some hard times, but the Lord got us through it,” she said.

She said it is her faith that has led to her longevity. “I always try to do the right things by people. The Lord blesses those who do the right things.”

One of the things Bertha has enjoyed most over the years is watching her family grow, both in age and numbers. “I never thought I would have such a large family, but I’m blessed to have them all,” she said.

Bertha’s five children include: Bernice Hodges, Henry Turner, Jimmy Barley, Shirley Barley, and Barbara Pritchett.

The family celebrated the milestone event with a birthday celebration with family and friends on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the St. Paul Baptist Church Family Life Center.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, March 6 issue of the Demopolis Times.)