Supercentenarian Celebrates Her 111th Birthday and a Life Well Lived With Family and Friends

If you are blessed enough to hit your 100th birthday, you are called a centenarian. If you hit your 110th birthday, you can be called a supercentenarian, and that’s just what this woman in Winter Haven, Florida, has done. In fact, she just celebrated her 111th birthday with family, friends, and members of the community.

Gertrude Williams was born in 1915, when Woodrow Wilson was president, the United States hadn’t yet entered World War I, and the world was a very different place. She has lived through so many eras and witnessed many changes over the years.

The Supercentenarian Turns 111 and Celebrates with the Community

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On a day in January, Gertrude celebrated her special day at Vino Healthcare Winter Haven where she lives. Family, friends, caregivers, community members, and local leaders came together to celebrate with her. Even some of her cousins came down from Connecticut.

“And to still have her mind, to still be able to talk to you, to tell stories and remember things, and to know who you are and remember you…that’s a blessing,” cousin Ebony Walker shares about Gertrude.

She Worked as a Nanny

Gertrude worked as a nanny over the years. One of the children she nannied for, Dean King, who is now in his 70s, was also at the party to honor her.

“From my first year of life, she has been my nanny. So growing up, she was a great mentor, and part time companion,” he shares, seeing her as a second mother. “As my mother developed Alzheimer’s Disease, she was there to help, so she’s family.”

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The supercentenarian became a big part of her church into her 100s. She shares that her faith helped her walk again and believes it is her secret to a long life. “Trust in God, that’s the only one, he made you,” she says.

Another cousin, Susan Holloway, shares the wisdom that Gertrude has passed on to them. “Believe in yourself, be kind, and love everybody.”

And what wonderful advice for all of us to follow!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

WATCH: A Supercentenarian Turns 111 With Family and Friends

LISTEN: Retired Teacher Needed a Kidney, and a Former Student Answered the Call | She’s 101, Still Working Six Days a Week—Happily

h/t: Fox 13 Tampa Bay

Featured Image Credit:  YouTube/FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Julie Provost is a GodUpdates staff writer and editor. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, three boys, and little dog Max. She loves to read, go to the movies, and enjoy time with family and friends.