WELTI, Ala. – There was snow on the ground and more falling in the Welti community Dec. 12, 1917, so the rain falling Saturday was “fitting” according to Ruth Duke. Duke, who turned 103 years old Saturday, is known affectionately as “Mama Duke” by her family and friends. For her special day, she proudly sported her new sweatshirt that perhaps said it best- “Awesome Since 1917.”
Family and friends gathered in the rain Saturday morning at Mt. Zion Baptist Church to line up for a birthday parade in honor of Mama Duke. Also fitting, considering Mt. Zion has been her church home for many, many years.
As the parade, escorted by members of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, made its way to Mama Duke’s house she positioned herself at the front door making sure she would be able to see everyone. She was all smiles as she waited for the cars and spoke of the snow on the day she was born. Five generations were represented in the parade, including Mama Duke’s younger sister Sue, who is in her 90s.
She waved and smiled as each car, decorated with signs and balloons, made its way past the front porch. Family showered her with love and laughs with her first grandson boasting to be her favorite. She neither confirmed nor denied the claim. While not everyone was able to be at the parade, Mama Duke is proud of her four children, 10 grandchildren, more than 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Longevity runs in Mama Duke’s family; her own mother lived to be 103. In an interview with The Tribune in 2019, she shared, “When we got together for Christmas or anything, my mama always wanted to sing ‘Blest Be the Tie that Binds’ before we would leave. So, when we would start heading home, we’d sing, ‘Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.’”
Asked in 2019 what her best advice in life is, she replied, “Be content with what you got-not worry! I think that gives you upset stomach when you worry about things. I’ve always tried to take things as they come and make the best of it. I’ve never had much, but it didn’t worry me. I had plenty to eat and stayed warm. I didn’t always stay cool. I hadn’t been cool until the last few years since I got air conditioning. Just be content. We all have lots to be thankful for.”
Read more about Ruth Duke at www.cullmantribune.com/tag/ruth-duke. Look for more photos from Saturday’s birthday parade at www.Facebook.com/CullmanTribune.
Copyright 2020 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
