Metro Atlanta woman celebrates 107th birthday on Independence Day

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - For most Americans, the 4th of July is time to celebrate our nation’s independence.

But for the family of Mirtie Ricks, the 4th of July 2018 means a celebration of a huge milestone.

The family of Ms. Ricks, known as Mama Mirt, gathered in a Fulton County home off County Line Road Wednesday afternoon to celebrate her 107th birthday.

Family members told FOX 5 Ms. Ricks spent all of her life in the Birmingham, Alabama area until 20 years ago when she moved in with family members in Fulton County.

Among the family members from Georgia and Alabama who attended Wednesday’s celebration were her 89-year-old daughter, her 85-year-old sister and 5 great-grandchildren.

Family members say Ms. Ricks is still active and in great health. She gets up and bathes herself every day, and still loves to cook.

Living a long time must be in the family’s D.N.A. as her mother lived to be 100.

Her daughter says Mama Mirt’s key to a long life is simple; be nice to people.