Mary Emma Alexander-Ivory celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at the Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist. Guests celebrated Ivory for her love of people and self supporting attitude that gained her respect as a gifted seamstress. Born November 1, 1922 she has lived in her Northisde home for 65 years. While working for one dollar a week and living in other people homes, her dream was to own her own home and she made it happen in 1955 with her husband and ten children.

“People thought I couldn’t own my own home, well I did and I’m seated in this home today,” she said. Decked out in her pick attire, her resume includes sewing custom made work uniforms, majorette outfits, church and usher board uniforms and high fashion clothes for her family and friends.  Although Ivory did not graduate from high school or college, she has prospered through her gift of giving to others.  She touts that her biggest contribution to this earth are the ten children she raised as a stay at home mom. Shown seated is honoree Mary Emma Alexander-Ivory surrounded by Great Great grandson Greyson Ivory, children Keith Thomas, Cynthia Ivory, Edward Ivory and Leonard Ivory.