Cleveland woman turns 110: 'It's a blessing'

CLEVELAND — In a community room at an apartment complex in Cleveland, there are balloons, bright tablecloths, and a fancy cake.

There's a party happening, a birthday party for one special woman celebrating a remarkable birthday. 

"It's a blessing," Marie Cheatham says. "I thank God for it."

You see, that "blessing" is her 110th birthday. Yes, you read that correctly — Marie has been alive for 11 decades.

This mother of six and friend to many enjoys spending time with others.

"When I see some of my old friends, it makes me feel real good," she told us.

There's no big secret to her longevity; it's all about the hard work and discipline she learned as a little girl.

"She grew up in Hawkinsville, Georgia," Marie's daughter, Janice Harrell, said. "I think that's part of the reason that she's lived as long as she has, because on the farm, you know, you go to bed early, you get up early, you get exercised by doing your chores, you grow your own food to eat, and so it was a healthy lifestyle."

Marie isn't afraid to speak her mind. Just ask her!

"You can look at my face and say, 'Oh, she doesn't like it,'" Marie laughed.

And you can always count on her to celebrate life. 

"Oh, she loves to dance," Janice said. "She was dancing on her hundretdh birthday."

"I love music," Marie added. "I like music!"

Janice says the greatest lesson her mom ever taught her is to rise above and keep moving forward.

"I think the influence that she has over her family and her friends is that she doesn't sit down and feel sorry for herself," Janice said. "Particularly, since she grew up in the South, and during those times, you are giving, because everybody knew that they could always go to her house and get a meal no matter what. She was always willing to share whatever she had be a little bit, or a lot."

From all of us at WKYC, Happy Birthday, Marie!