HEATH SPRINGS, S.C. — Almetta Brace Cunningham celebrated 101 years of blessings on her 101st birthday April 7 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
Cunningham, who was born in 1923, is a life member and presently the mother of the church in Heath Springs, where the Rev. Willie J. Duncan is pastor.
Cunningham was recognized on her 101st birthday by her pastor, church members, family and friends with a special recognition celebration service.
Known as a fashionista, Cunningham wore a beautiful two-piece navy blue suit with a white silk blouse. She was crowned with a rose gold 101 crown embellished with rhinestones and adorned with a rose gold sash declaring her “101 and Fabulous.”
Cunningham was escorted into the church by her deacon, Kenneth Waiters. As she walked by, each person on the end pews waved metallic gold wands with streamers.
This beautiful phenomenal woman is still able to walk, communicate and sing praises to God at Sunday morning worship services at New Hope Missionary Church. What a mighty blessing!
Duncan presented her with a dozen white roses dipped in gold and a plaque on behalf of the church. A proclamation from Lancaster County was read, declaring April 7, 2024, as Mrs. Almetta Brace Cunningham Day. Other presentations were made by church and family members, including monetary gifts, flowers, plaques and birthday balloons.
This birthday celebration, organized by Dr. Michelle Harris Crosby, was very meaningful and glorious! Cunningham was blessed to have three daughters there — Melzetta Kerley, Daisy Trapps and Ruth Cunningham. Another daughter, Margie Kerley, died in 2021. Also in attendance were local and out-of-town grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and many other relatives.
Cunningham, who has lived in Lancaster all her life, was the daughter of Daisy Brace Cunningham and the Rev. Dr. Joseph Culp. She has one living sibling, Lillie Bell Brown.
Cunningham was married to Willie Cunningham for 45 years before he died in 1989. Besides her four daughters, she has had 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
A special church’s bulletin commemorated Cunningham with her photo and a brief biography. Special personalized birthday favors were issued to each person who attended the church service. Her special and favorite songs were sung during this special birthday celebration. They are “It’s Getting Late in the Evening” and “Give Me Two Wings to Fly Away to Glory.”
The pastor and members started acknowledging her upcoming birthday by recognizing Cunningham on New Hope’s marquee for one month and on their monthly birthday listing, along with photos honoring her 101st birthday on the church’s bulletin boards.
A huge, beautiful digital photo of Cunningham was displayed for one week prior to her birthday by Oscar Harris from Harp It Up/Digital Billboard.
At 101, Cunningham believes her life story could be a movie. She’s grateful and thanks God for blessing her to see 101 years. Throughout her life, she has relied on Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
