The oldest woman in Decatur County turns 107
Published 9:47 am Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Emma Montgomery was born in 1906 in Colquitt. She lived alone until she turned 104-years-old, then moving to Bainbridge Healthcare. The biggest change in society she has seen is a black man being elected President of the United States. She looks back fondly on her 20s, a time when she loved to dance. — Carolyn Iamon
Emma Montgomery, believed to be the oldest living resident of Decatur County, will celebrate 107 years on Dec. 8.
Born in Colquitt on Dec. 8, 1906, she is the sole survivor of a family of nine children. She grew up in Miller County and moved to Decatur County in 1950.
She was married to Otto Montgomery who died in 1986, and she had one daughter, Betty Jean Melvin, also deceased.
However, she did raise two grandchildren, Calvin Davis and Linda Frenchwood, who continue to watch over her. A third grandchild was the late Adolf Noble.
Miss Emma lived on her own until she was 104, at which time she moved to Bainbridge Healthcare in April 2011. She celebrated her 105th birthday there.
She is in good health, except for a hearing problem, and readily shows her sense of humor and good spirits.
She likes to watch TV and enjoys such programs as NCSI and CSI, and loves the old Gunsmoke series.
In her younger years she enjoyed sewing, making all of Linda’s clothes, and loved to cook and go fishing. She also raised chickens and ducks and professes a great love of chickens—preferably the fried variety.
When Activities Director Penny Rackley asked several of the residents to name their favorite animal, others said, dogs, or cats. When it was Miss Emma’s turn she answered “fried chicken.” She says her favorite meal is fried chicken, blackeyed peas, okra and cornbread.
She still gets out and about when family members take her to church or reunions.
She is a member of Mt. Zuma M.B. Church where she was very active, and sang in the choir up until in she was in her 90s.
She said the favorite years of her life were when she was in her 20s, and when asked what she did then that she loved so much, she smiles and says she liked to dance.
The biggest change in society she has witnessed in her lifetime is seeing a Black man elected president of the United States.
She attributes her long life to always living a good life and trying to treat everyone right.
Her family said they will probably take her out for her favorite meal of fried chicken on her birthday.
