DETROIT (WWJ) -- Friends and family of Lois Holden spent an extended weekend celebrating her 110th birthday.
Known to those who love her as "Mother Holden," she was born on Feb. 2, 1910 in Thomaston, Alabama, one of siblings. Friends and extended family gathered Monday at the Detroit Association of Women's Clubs for their fourth celebration, and Mother Holden shared her secrets for longevity.
"You want to know how to live to see as many days as I have? You talk to your Heavenly Father in Heaven," Mother Holden said. "And don't you be standing around talking about 'I ain't gonna do this, and I ain't gonna do that.' Do what you can for anybody. I don't care who it is. Anybody. Black, white, blue, green -- all of them. I've done that."
Mother Holden has called Detroit home for most of her life, which included a Motown career in the early 1960s, as she performed with popular gospel groups, including The Gospel Stars. She even toured with Berry Gordy and Diana Ross.
Michelle Williams, Mother Holden's granddaughter and primary caretaker, says her grandmother seems much younger than 110 years old.
"Sometimes I think she's younger than I am. She reminds me of people's birthdays, and she's so bright with everything. It's truly amazing," Williams said.
Mother Holden has two grandchildren, four great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
"God has fixed it so that I'll be able to see them. The little kids and the itty bitty ones. I got some little bitty ones," Holden said. "I know God is good, but I didn't know he was so good."
