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A lot can happen in a century, and only a few live to see it all. Evelyn Rentz Hutchens is one such person, celebrating her 100th birthday on Saturday, June 3. Born in Baker County in 1923, Mrs. Hutchens was the oldest daughter of Alvin and Clara Belle Rentz. She grew up during the Great Depression, she and her oldest two brothers working the fields to help the family. She graduated from Baker County’s Elmodel School at 16, and would go on to marry Roland Musgrove. The couple would have two children before Roland left to serve in World War II. After the war, the family would move to Decatur County, where they had five more children.

Mrs. Hutchens worked for 15 years as a seamstress at Williamson Dickies Pants Factory, but would go on to become a housekeeper at Bainbridge State Hospital, retiring as Director of Housekeeping. She would remarry Curtis Hutchens in 1995. Aside from her seven children, Mrs. Hutchens has 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

“Mom has always been devoted to her family and is delighted with each new addition,” daughter Mona Musgrove said. “She was a great cook and has a wry sense of humor – her grandkids are always waiting to hear what she’s going to say next.”

When asked about how she’s had such a long life, Mrs. Hutchens said, “God knows I’ve tried to be a good person… God is not ready for me yet.”