The secret to living a long life has varied based on who you ask, but for a Georgia woman who just turned 101 it’s all about kindness.
Johnnie Mae Waters celebrates more than a century of life Tuesday, Macon's 13WMAZ reported. Since social distancing continues to be underway amid the coronavirus pandemic, her granddaughter wished to honor her grandmother in a different and unique way.
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That Edwards aimed to celebrate her grandmother while keeping her distance is important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that older adults are among people who are at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.
So to recognize her grandmother, Jasmine Edwards wrote to 13WMAZ to spotlight Waters.
Edwards explained that Waters is the last living sibling of seven and in her everyday life, she requires very little help. Additionally, Waters is a fan of the news station, which she regularly tunes into in the morning while sipping coffee and eating breakfast.
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As for what Waters believes is the secret to her long life, Edwards said it’s about treating people right.
“She raised a village, and we will continue to celebrate her,” her granddaughter wrote in an email.
Waters is not alone in being celebrated for a milestone birthday over the years.
In 2017, Atlanta recognized city school nutrition employee Gladys Cornelius for her "life-long commitment to the Atlanta Public Schools." Cornelius celebrated her 100th birthday and June 5 was proclaimed in her honor for her service to thousands of Atlanta school children throughout the years.