Ms. Emma Montgomery has reached a new milestone. She turned 108 years of age on December 8, 2014, making her the oldest resident of Decatur County.

She was all dressed up and pretty in pink for the birthday party held in her honor at Memorial Manor, where Activities Director Karrell Bush and her staff were decorating tables and prepping for a special birthday lunch.

Although she is quite hard of hearing, she remains alert and vocal about her life and her special food choices.

When asked, “What in your life makes you the happiest?” she responded, “A good mess of blackeyed peas.” That, plus a meal of fried chicken, corn bread or biscuits makes for a good day.

Emma Montgomery was born in 1906 in Colquitt. She is the sole survivor of a family of nine children. She grew up in Miller County before moving to Decatur County in 1950.

She was married to Otto Montgomery, who died in 1986. Her only daughter, Betty Jean Melvin, also is deceased.

She raised two grandchildren, Calvin Davis and Linda Frenchwood, who continue to watch over her welfare.

A third grandchild, Adolf Noble, is deceased.

She is a member of Mt. Zuma M.B. Church, where she was very active and sang in the choir up until she was in her 90s. She managed to live independently until she was 104.

She said her favorite pastime is going to church, and although she isn’t able to get out and go very often, members of her church regularly come to see her and read the Bible to her. She proclaims a great love for the Lord, Jesus Christ, who she says has the most influence on her life.