A centennial birthday celebration in Columbus is going to be doubly special.
Twins Mary Shipp Harrow and Martha Shipp Averett will celebrate their 100th birthday in July with a joint party. This will be the fifth joint birthday party the women have had since turning 90.
Born July 2, 1916, in Chattahoochee County’s Cusseta, Martha Averett still lives in the city. Mary Harrow currently resides in Columbus.
The oldest of eight children, the twins now have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and, even, great-great-grandchildren of their own.
Mary Harrow has seven children, 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Martha Averett has 10 children, 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Rodney Averett, one of Martha Averett’s grandsons, said the birthday is a special milestone that is made even more special by his grandmother and great-aunt’s strong bond.
“Having an identical twin is something that a lot of people don’t have the experience to having, and the fact that they’re both living makes it more special,” he said.
Gerri Jones, Mary Harrow’s youngest daughter, said the twins talk on the phone regularly and, when they’re together, they often hold hands.
This year, the sister's birthday aligns with their 38th family reunion. The reunion will be held in conjunction with the birthday celebration in Columbus.
