Retired identical twins Cary Holt and Mary Godfrey, 69, have slowed down some as they aged, but both have remained active members of their beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Now, Holt, a former middle school principal, and Godfrey, a retired air force counselor, are gearing up to help celebrate AKA's 100th anniversary.

"Alpha Kappa Alpha has been the love of my life," Godfrey said. "I thank God I am alive for our 100th birthday."

Holt and Godfrey have been members of the sorority for more than 50 years, since their initiation at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in December 1956. Now they are noted figures in their local chapter, Lambda Epsilon Omega, which has a membership of more than 300 women.

"Last year I was voted most sisterly," said Holt, who is helping to plan a cotillion for high school students and serves on four committees within her chapter.

Holt and Godfrey plan to participate in AKA's Global Centennial Walk in Stone Mountain June 28. The walk from Stone Mountain Elementary School to Stone Mountain Park is leading up to the sorority's centennial celebration. The walk is hosted by the Stone Mountain/Lithonia Lambda Epsilon Omega and Tau Pi Omega graduate chapters of AKA.

While the twins note that physical challenges may prevent them from completing the entire 1,908-step walk, they will attempt to complete the final leg of the event together.

Similar walks will commence around the nation, said Andrea A. Snorton, Tau Pi Omega's public relations chairwoman. The walks will initiate the members' pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., where the sorority is holding its centennial celebration in July.

The events are also to raise awareness about AKA's E.S.P. initiative, which promotes emotional, spiritual and physical health for its members and the African-American community.

The Stone Mountain walk starts at 11 a.m. The free event, open to the public, is expected to draw about 300 participants, according to organizers.

Alpha Kappa Alpha has about 200,000 members internationally. Its membership has included prominent figures such as actress Phylicia Rashad, author and poet Maya Angelou, Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and civil rights activists Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks.

Notable members of the Lambda Epsilon Omega chapter include former Lithonia mayor Marcia Glenn Hunter and Geri Thomas, senior vice president of global diversity and inclusion for Bank of America.

For more information on the Centennial Walk, contact ESP1908Walk@gmail.com. Check-in for the event will begin at 9 a.m. at Stone Mountain Elementary School, 6720 James B. Rivers Drive. Designated parking will be available.