Saturday was a beautiful day and I enjoyed being outside in it taking photos at Gertharine Green’s 104th birthday parade.
It is amazing what a big family “Big Mama” has. Here is some information about her that I got from Mayor John King’s proclamation making April 2 Gertharine Green Day.
Gertharine Green was born on April 2, 1918 to Benjamin and Zeffie Twiggs-Black in Minerva. She and Cornelius Green were joined in holy matrimony in 1935 and during their 55 years of marriage they were blessed with 13 children.
The Green family relocated to Rockdale in 1968 and moved their church membership to Allen Chapel AME where Mrs. Green has served as a missionary and stewardess.
Mrs. Green loves to stay active by taking her morning walks, prepping food and folding clothes. She still has a lot of pep in her step. At the age of 99 she was Grand Marshall for the Juneteenth Parade and wore her tiara with pride. She was also wearing it on Saturday.
Mrs. Green is no stranger to her community. Everyone knows her as Big Mama. She doesn’t let a day go by without her Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream, lemon-lime pie or cheesecake. Her favorite activity is spending quality time with family and friends.
God has blessed Mrs. Green with over 40 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. That’s a bunch!
Mrs. Green is truly blessed to have a drive-by parade to celebrate her 104th birthday with all of her family and friends from near and far. She credits her longevity to God and her continued faith and trust in Him, followed by her ability to keep busy and maintain clean and totally devoted lifestyle.
See photos of the parade on page 6A.
She says all praises go to God. Amen Big Mama.
When I was at the parade I thought about the Looking Back column I write every week. We are up to 1922 in the 100 years ago section. Mrs. Green would have been four years old in 1922. I’m going to have to start looking for her name in the old newspapers.
What a lot of changes she has seen over the years. It’s pretty amazing to think about what she’s seen.
The farmers market was also on Saturday at the Chamber of Commerce office and I was very happy to see Joe Hairston there in his usual spot with lots of delicious looking tomatoes. Another vendor brought a bunch of tomato plants to sell, but Joe bought every single on of them and sold them himself. That vendor didn’t stay long.
Denise Brock said there will be even more vendors next week so head on out from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
If you missed last year’s Jazz Party at The 1895 in December, you’re in luck because another one is coming up on May 7 from 2 to 10 p.m. The last one was a lot of fun, if a tad cold.
Once again Sparky Thomason Quartet will be featured performers, as well as Christian Wiggs from Austin.
There is a Derby theme this time around so expect to see lots of hats. In addition to the Derby fun there will also be food, wine, art exhibits and tours of The 1895.
Tickets are $10 for general admission or $75 for VIP tickets with a catered meal at 5 p.m. Your VIP tickets will also get you a catered dinner with rising superstar Brooke Graham.
See you there!
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