Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor Celebrates 109th Birthday With Family, Friends

Family and friends came together Saturday to celebrate the 109th birthday of one of the two remaining Tulsa Race Massacre survivors.

Lessie Benningfield Randle’s friends and family describe her as funny, sassy, and vibrant.

They say they are inspired by her long life.

Those who know Randle the best say they wanted to honor her by throwing her a big party.

"I wanted to come and just be a good support system for the family, knowing that she has done so much, actually to put Tulsa on the map,” said Mary Riggins, a family friend.

Known as Mother Randle, she says being 109 is a toss-up between feeling like you’re 50 years old, or 150.

"When you are not ill, it feels about like when you were 50,” said Randle. “If you have been kind of ill like I have been, sometimes feel like you're 150!”

Her family members are proud of her legacy, especially being one of two remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

One of her grandsons says she has always had his back.

"She's there for me, when nobody is there for me, and I really love her,” said Daevon Penny. "She's a loving person, you can't ask for no more. She just loves people, and she's just a happy person."

Her closest friends are grateful that Randle and her family have been able to touch as many lives as they have.

"I am hoping and praying that all of her dreams, hopes, are met,” said Riggins. “And that she's blessed beyond blessings."

Many people also came up during the ceremony and gave speeches, read poems, and sang songs, all to honor Randle and how she has inspired them.