Tulsa Woman Turns 100

By Jeffrey Smith, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It's a birthday to remember for one Tulsa woman. On Sunday, Grace Mitchell turned 100-years-old.

She is celebrating her second century of life and her 80th year as a member of the same downtown church.

Grace Mitchell has lived through the sinking of the Titanic, a Great Depression and two World Wars. Now she's celebrating her 100th birthday.

"It means a lot. It means a lot," said Grace Mitchell.

Mitchell has lived in Tulsa her entire adult life. She joined Ignales Baptist Church in 1935.

"You don't see that anymore. People don't settle down now and stick in one place for that long, so I think that's remarkable," said Kirsten Hurley, Mitchell's granddaughter.

Mitchell has three children, eight grandchildren and 10 great grandkids.

Her great grandkids were on hand for the big birthday celebration. They were happy to give a hug and a kiss and a homemade card.

"I feel like I just love her so much and I'm just so happy to go visit her," said Zach Hurley, Mitchell's great grandson.

Mitchell says the key to her longevity is her strong faith. And she still has a great sense of humor after all these years.

"I like to go to church. I can't cook anymore, can't see well enough to cook," said Mitchell.

The pastor of Ignales Baptist Church says Mitchell is an inspiration.

"What inspires me is she still has the energy. She still has the drive and commitment," said Pastor Jon Stewart.

"I'm just thankful to the good Lord that I'm here. I think maybe that I'm here for a reason," said Mitchell.

And she says she plans on coming back to church every Sunday for many years to come.

Grace Mitchell is Ignales Baptist Church's most senior member, but there is another churchgoer there who is 97-years-old.