In 1916 and 1918 – when Willie Mae Jackson and Sallie Chatman were born – America was still deeply segregated under Jim Crow laws. For African Americans, life in much of the South meant restricted voting rights, limited access to quality education and health care, and daily navigation of legalized racial discrimination. As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, their lives span a century-plus transformation from segregated buses and horse-drawn streets to the digital age and artificial intelligence.
In Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, two women are now marking rare milestones few Americans ever reach.
Willie Mae Jackson, who lives in a Jacksonville nursing home, celebrated her 110th birthday this week, officially becoming a supercentenarian—an age reached by only a small number of Americans. Just across the state line in Folkston, Georgia, Sallie Chatman turned 107 this month.
Experts with the Gerontology Research Group estimate there are only about 70 validated living supercentenarians in the United States, though the true number may be higher due to incomplete records.
Jackson, born in 1916 during World War I, says faith has been the steady thread throughout her life. She still attends church weekly at her facility, where The Church of Eleven22 visits every Sunday.
“I would tell them to get in touch with the Savior, God,” she said when asked about her advice for younger generations. “I know Him. He got me where I am.”
Her daughter credits that lifelong devotion—and mental discipline—for her longevity, noting Jackson has always emphasized “keeping her mind sharp.” She also maintained simple habits, including avoiding pork and enjoying tea, especially green and sweet tea.
“I feel good,” Jackson said, summing up her milestone with characteristic simplicity. Her advice on long life: “Just keep living.”
Family members describe her as deeply engaged with her loved ones, including eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. “We love her,” her daughter said. “We thank God for every day that she’s here.”
Up the road in Folkston, Georgia, Sallie Chatman still lives at home with her daughter.
At 107 she still gets around very well and her family had to install bells on her walker just to keep up with her. The centenarian said it feels good to still be alive and well. Her secret to longevity is clean living and no alcohol. She has also never eaten chicken, turkey or anything with feathers but has a penchant for sweets according to her daughter.
She is known around the community as “Mother” and deservedly so and she really enjoys visiting.
“I have a friend that comes to see me, and that makes me very happy,” said Chatman
She loves to still be able to live in her house and finds joy just watching the cars and neighborhood movements. Among her other joys are watching westerns, spending time with family.
It is a blessing to have witnessed a lifetime of treasures and cemented their legacies that extend to great-great grandchildren. Best of all, the women who are strong believers in faith, are in great health, mind, body and soul.
Together, the two women’s lives reflect more than a century of change—and resilience—stretching from early 20th-century America into the nation’s modern era.
Special thanks to Heather Crawford of First Coast News for bringing these birthdays to our attention.