In a heartwarming moment captured on camera, 98-year-old MaeDell Taylor Hawkins held her first great-great-great-grandchild, seven-month-old Zhavia Whitaker, for the first time. The photo, which features six generations of women, has gone viral and is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds.
MaeDell’s remarkable life has been marked by love, hard work, and dedication to her family. With over 620 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, she is a true matriarch. Her family’s story is one of resilience and joy, despite the challenges they faced in the early years.
Born in 1940, MaeDell married a 50-year-old railroad worker with 10 children from a previous marriage. Together, they had 13 more children, raising them without the luxury of modern amenities like running water or a washer and dryer. Despite these hardships, MaeDell’s love and support have been the foundation of her family’s happiness and success.
The photo of MaeDell holding Zhavia is a celebration of this legacy, featuring six generations of women: MaeDell, her granddaughter Gracie Snow Howell, great-granddaughters Frances Snow, Jacqueline Ledford, and Jaisline Wilson, and great-great-great-granddaughter Zhavia. The image was taken by Hawkins’ granddaughter Sheryl Blessing and has become a cherished family keepsake.
As MaeDell approaches her 99th birthday in July, her family is grateful for the time they have with her. They plan to reunite in June to take another photo, celebrating the love and connection that binds them together.
MaeDell’s story is an inspiration to us all, a reminder of the importance of family, love, and resilience. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, a testament to the power of a life well-lived.
