Mississippi woman celebrates 108th birthday surrounded by family

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK/Gray News) - A Mississippi woman celebrated a very happy 108th birthday Sunday.

Julia Mae Rice celebrated her big day at Trend Health nursing home in Meridian surrounded by friends and family.

Rice’s eldest daughter, Dorothy Rice Dickson, said her mother has been able to live such a long life simply by knowing how to treat others.

“The Bible tells us to do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Dickson said.

Another of Rice’s daughters, Ida Delk, said her mother’s faith is what got her to where she is today.

“We didn’t get here just because of the years but because my mom was a faithful member to God, and she always taught us one thing: Treat people the way you want them to treat you,” she said. “And this is what we live by.”