This 98-year-old matriarch finally had the joy of meeting her first great-great-great-grandchild in her large Kentucky family.
In February, MaeDell Taylor Hawkins cradled seven-month-old Zhavia Whitaker for the very first time.
Her granddaughter, Gracie Snow Howell, shared a photo of this heartwarming moment, which quickly gained popularity online. MaeDell is now the proud matriarch of over 620 grandchildren, thanks to her daughters and their descendants.
Gracie, who was present with MaeDell, shared with People, “We thought this was special because it’s all girls.”
The touching photo features MaeDell’s daughter Frances Snow, granddaughters Gracie Snow Howell and Jacqueline Ledford, as well as great-great-granddaughter Jaisline Wilson. The picture was captured by Sheryl Blessing, another granddaughter of MaeDell.
MaeDell is set to celebrate her 99th birthday in July.
In 1940, at just 16 years old, she married Bill Taylor, a 50-year-old railroad worker who already had 10 children from a previous marriage, as reported by Fox News.
Bill was frequently away for work, yet together they welcomed 13 more children, as shared by Gracie. The family lived without many modern amenities, lacking both a washer and dryer, as well as running water.
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“I know she faced many challenges, but she never voiced any complaints,” Gracie recounted to People.
Gracie added that she never heard her mother, Frances, express dissatisfaction about their home or what they lacked.
This photo showcases six generations of women, highlighting how MaeDell’s love and support have fostered a legacy of joyful and healthy women and children.
Gracie shared with Fox News, “If everything goes smoothly, with the baby and Grandma both doing well, we plan to gather again in June for another family photo.”
As reported by Fox, the proud matriarch from Kentucky has an impressive family tree, including 106 grandchildren, 222 great-grandchildren, 234 great-great-grandchildren, and 37 great-great-great-grandchildren spread across the United States.
It’s hard to fathom nurturing such a large and wonderful family with so little! We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
