Woman celebrating 110th birthday gets key to the city, card from President Biden

Published: Sep. 26, 2024 at 12:47 PM EDT

FLORENCE, Ala. (Gray News) – Hundreds of people took part in a special celebration to honor Lillie Cunningham as she turned 110 years old.

Florence, Alabama Mayor Andrew Betterton proclaimed Sept. 26, 2024, Lillie Cunningham Day to recognize her incredible legacy and service to the community.

According to the proclamation, Cunningham was a domestic worker for many years and volunteered as part of the kitchen ministry of her church.

After Council President Kaytrina Simmons requested cards for Cunningham in a Facebook post online, the birthday girl received more than 200 cards from people across the country, including one from President Joe Biden.

Born in 1914, Cunningham contributes her long, healthy life to the grace of God, according to the proclamation.

Betterton also gave Cunningham a golden key to the city as an extra special birthday gift.