North Carolina woman celebrates 100th birthday at church

CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC (FOX 46 WJZY) - FOX 46 Charlotte is wishing Lula Mae Tuft Roberts a happy 100th birthday.

Her Grover community came together to celebrate her life on Thursday night at St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist, where she’s the oldest member.

“She was born in 1918 and we decided that on such a huge milestone that we would celebrate that milestone because not a lot of people get there,” said her grandson, Tony Roberts. 

Hundreds piled into the church sanctuary for an hours-long ceremony, including the mayor, local leaders and people from across the town. 

The guest who traveled the farthest was multiple Grammy Award Winner, Pastor Shirley Caesar. The celebrity guest delivered a sermon and also performed a few musical selections, including a birthday song.

Roberts, whose husband has since passed, has lived in Grover for more than 80 years. She wanted to bring in her 100th birthday at church because of her relationship with Christ.

“She's always been a community oriented person,” her grandson said. “And she loves the Lord.”