ROANOKE RAPIDS — Mrs. Virgie Clements Wilkins was born July 30, 1909. It was a celebration of her life and of loving eyes having seen a century go by that took over the Kirkwood Adams Community Center Saturday — a 100th birthday gathering.

Della Batts | Daily Herald Eldest sons Calvin and Leonard Wilkins escorted their mother, Mrs. Virgie Clements Wilkins to the head table at her 100 birthday celebration Saturday. Advertisement

The decor was gold and white to honor her golden years and the purity by which she lives. The tables were gilded with white lilies, bringing to remembrance the passage in which Christ said, “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these,” Matthew 6:28-29.

It’s that attitude of trust in her Lord, Mrs. Wilkins attributes for her longevity. “I just say, ŒLord, just take care of me and guide me the right way.’ He did it for 100 years and I ask him to continue,” she said.

Mrs. Wilkins is the oldest of four children born to the Rev. Christopher and Nancy Baker Clements. She was married only once to “the love of her life” the late Richard “Ollie” Wilkins. They brought 13 children into this world.

Mrs. Wilkins now has 19 grandchildren, 27 great -grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Wilkins was escorted by her two eldest sons, Calvin and Leonard Wilkins, to the head table while she and everyone sang “This Little Light of Mine.” A program followed which included a letter from President Barack H. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Wilkins said one of her happiest days was the day she voted for him. There were also presentations, reflections and entertainment by various family and friends.

Mrs. Wilkins was presented with gifts and flowers, lots of hugs, love and well wishes.

Proverbs 31:10, 28 says: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies ... Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” This is what several family members said about her.

“I wish her love and strength. God bless you!” said Virginia Williams.

Christa Moody, her great-granddaughter said, “Happy Birthday! It’s a blessing to see you live out so many years. You are a help and inspiration to us all.” “Happy Birthday! We love you,” said Princess and Devin Moody. They are Mrs. Wilkins’ great-great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Carolyn Fredericks, the oldest grandchild of Mrs. Wilkins, and mistress of ceremonies said, “Thanks for all your love and prayers. You raised me up.” Her husband Walter said, “God bless you. I thank you for your longevity.” Fredericks went on to say he attributes the perfections and stability of his life and family to Mrs. Wilkins.

It was the year the NAACP was formed in 1909. Mrs. Wilkins has lived through the Great Depression, segregation, the Civil Rights movement, Women’s rights, the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F.

Kennedy. According to those present, Mrs. Wilkins met each day with integrity and humility.

Mrs. Wilkins is praised for being a teacher. Her greatest lessons are: Love God with all your heart, pray with faith and trust to the Lord at all times, put God first in everything you do, always respect yourself and treat everyone with respect in whatever you do, do it the best you can and God will be with you.

Mrs. Wilkins serves as mother of the church, is treasurer for the Missionary Circle, president of the Senior Choir and Deaconess Emeritus for Patillo’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, the church where she has served all her life.

Mrs. Wilkins said she has good days and bad days, some days she thinks too much about the family that’s no longer with her, but all in all she’s thankful for her days, her family and the opportunity to serve the people she loves.