Gladys Perkins celebrated her 97^th birthday on March 31.

She was born on March 31, 1922.

She was married for 50 years to the late Pastor John Perry Perkins II.

They had 12 children, of whom 11 are still living.

Gladys has two sets of five generations living.

Her birthday was celebrated on March 30 at the Shelby Iron Works Park, where she had a huge crowd in attendance.

Gladys is the Church Mother at Providence Baptist Church in Shelby.
Her passions are gardening, cooking, canning and checking on loved one and those who are sick in her community.
Every Sunday, Gladys cooks for her large family, which meets at her house after attending various church services.
Gladys says her life motto is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When asked what her secret to long life is, Gladys always says the same thing: “Jesus on the inside, showing up on the outside.”

Submitted by her youngest daughter, Maxine Perkins