I visited Mattie Lee Cooksey Gardner for about an hour recently before she went to the Enoch Davis Center in St. Petersburg for her daily activities. Here are some of her comments:
How have you managed to take care of yourself for so long?
It's my faith and trust in God. I was brought up to be a believer. I was raised to take care of myself. I didn't smoke. I didn't go out after dark. I was known as a walker. I've done my share of walking.
What do you tell the youngsters who ask you for advice?
I tell them to praise the Lord. Stay out of the streets at night. Go to bed early and take it one day at a time.
What are your favorite foods?
I like pigs' tails, pigs' feet and chitlins. I eat anything I want. I like ice cream and Jell-O every night.
What things have helped you live so long?
My faith in the Lord. Doing unto others and always giving my best to help people, and the love of my family. I took care of them (her two daughters) and now they take care of me.
Editor's note: When I told daughter Teresena Bryant that she had a sweet mother, Mrs. Gardner said: "Sweet as sugar."
