By Michael Butler

The comments keep pouring in. Mary Crenshaw just celebrated her 109th birthday on Saturday, April 19. She is without a doubt a Tallassee treasure.

“The Lord is good,” she said. “I am still here.” 

Friends stopped by her home Saturday to pay tribute. Tallassee Times shared the news with a big response.

AI on Facebook summed up what people were saying. “Commenters are wishing Mrs. Crenshaw a happy 109th birthday, praising her kindness, love, and blessing to the community. One commenter notes she’s a shining example, inspiring others with her lifestyle. All wish her a joyful, love-filled day.”

As visitors stopped by on Saturday, the Tallassee Fire Department could not resist making a stop as well.

“While returning to quarters from a call, Engine 1004 and Car 10 couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give Miss Mary Crenshaw a hug, and a HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” the TFD noted in a Facebook post. “Miss Mary shared that her faith in God, and a great family attributed to her making it to 109 years old. As our crews were leaving, she yelled from the porch “SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!” Yes ma’am, Miss Mary, you sure will!”

Reaching 100 is a rare feat in itself. It has already meant seeing Crenshaw’s face on a Smucker’s jar during NBC’s “Today” Show. At 109, Crenshaw is Tallassee’s oldest resident and one of the oldest in all of Alabama.

A supercentenarian is someone who is 110 or older. Lillie Cunningham of Florence, Ala. is listed as the state’s oldest living person. She turned 110 in September of last year.

The Guiness Record Book lists the oldest person in the world as Inah Canabarro Lucas, a 116-year-old Brazilian nun.