On Nov. 12, Ophelia Ross Williams awoke to celebrate the milestone event of her 101st birthday.

She was born in Marlboro County to the Rev. Caleb and Estelle JohnakinRoss. She is the fourth and last living child of that union. She received Christ at an early age and joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. She served there faithfully as a child and young adult. She continued to serve Christ as she grew older and joined Sawmill Missionary Baptist Church where she continues to serve and praise faithfully.

Ophelia married James E. Williams Sr. and, to that union, four children were born. She has endured the death of her husband, and her two oldest children. She has held several glorious occupations, however she was last employed and retired from Marlboro County School District after 25 years of employment.

She has a remedy for longevity: Prayer, thanksgiving, daily reading, meditation, and eating properly. She reads Our Daily Bread, and her Holy Bible daily. She studies her Sunday School lesson and will share the lesson with you. She has great faith!

Ophelia is thankful for her loving legacy, family, and friends. She has lived to nurture, love, support, and inspire five fruitful loving generations. As her family continues to celebrate her beautiful life, they hosted a “birthday parade and drive through celebration.” It was held Saturday, Nov. 13.

The family stated, “We are blessed to have our matriarch.”

May God continue to bless Ophelia Ross Williams, her legacy, family, and her friends — we await the next birthday celebration.