A remarkable family gathering recently took place when six generations of women came together for a special photograph. Gracie Howell, 58, shared that her 98-year-old grandmother, MaeDell (Taylor) Hawkins, has held “hundreds of babies” over the decades — and the latest photo captures her lovingly cradling her great-great-great-granddaughter, Zhavia, who was born in December. “We thought it was really special because it was all girls,” Gracie noted.
The touching image includes Gracie herself, her mother Francis, daughter Jacqueline, granddaughter Jaisline, Zhavia’s mother MaeDell, and baby Zhavia. Gracie says her 99-year-old grandmother is still “sharp as a tack” and quick to give advice on child-rearing. When baby Zhavia got a little fussy during the visit, MaeDell — who lives in a nursing home — wasted no time scooping her out of her mother’s arms.
“We even got a picture of her tickling the baby’s tiny feet,” Gracie recalls fondly. “Such sweet memories.” Although she always knew her family’s story was special, Gracie was surprised by the attention the photo received after she shared it privately with a local meteorologist. She says the warm public response has been “overwhelming” and has given her grandmother a wonderful moment in the spotlight.
MaeDell’s life has been anything but easy. She married at 16 to a 50-year-old railroad worker who was often away for long stretches. Together, they raised 13 biological children, and MaeDell also became stepmother to his 10 children from a previous relationship. “She didn’t have basic things like a washer, dryer, or even running water,” Gracie recalls. “Even when I was a teenager, she still didn’t have running water.”
Despite the hardships, Gracie says her grandmother never complained. “She always made sure there was dinner on the table and clean clothes for everyone,” she says. “She just got on with it.” Over time, the family has grown tremendously. MaeDell has outlived her husbands and all but one of her stepchildren. “She’s lived a full life,” Gracie says. “I just love her.”
On a separate note, the songwriter behind many of Dolly Parton’s hits has passed away at the age of 82.