Elvira Helaire-Davis is one of eight children born to former slaves and sharecroppers.

Eternally grateful, she now welcomes in another year surrounded by her family, friends, first responders and many more.

Davis is one of the oldest living citizens in Louisiana and the oldest person living in Shreveport’s MLK area.

Her children say she’s nurtured five generations, including 14 children, 30 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren.

Davis did not make an official appearance for her birthday celebration, but she was able to take a quick glance outside for a well-deserved happy birthday song.

“She’s still communicating with us with her eyes. I went in to see her this morning to tell her happy birthday, and I’m like, ‘today is your 110th birthday’, and she looked up at me smiling, so she knows today is her birthday,” Sandra Lister, Davis’ granddaughter, said. “One thing she got was President Barack Obama wished her happy birthday twice, and she said when he was elected, she never thought she would live to witness the election of a quote of color president. Her hometown of Natchitoches, she witnessed Ronnie Whitten becoming the first African American mayor. So, she’s a walking history.“

This event was marked by several proclamations given from federal, state, parish and city officials.