They Gathered To Immortalize A Beautiful Moment

A Heartwarming Snapshot: Six Generations of Women in One Family

A recent gathering of women from one family resulted in a remarkable photograph spanning six generations. At its center is the 98-year-old matriarch, MaeDell (Taylor) Hawkins, who, according to her granddaughter Gracie Howell, 58, has cradled “hundreds of babies” throughout her life. The memorable photograph captures MaeDell holding her great-great-great-granddaughter Zhavia, born in December.

A Unique All-Female Family Portrait

The distinctive aspect of this image, Gracie points out, is the presence of only females. The family snapshot includes Gracie, her mother Francis, her daughter Jacqueline, and her granddaughter Jaisline, mother of the newborn baby, along with MaeDell and baby Zhavia.

The Matriarch’s Vibrant Spirit

Approaching 99 in July, MaeDell remains “sharp as a tack,” Gracie proudly states. Despite residing in a nursing facility, MaeDell eagerly “swooped” fussy Zhavia “right out of Mama’s arms.” Gracie recalls, “We have a photo of her literally tickling her tiny feet. Beautiful moments.”

An Unexpected Viral Moment

While Gracie acknowledges her family’s story as “awesome,” she hadn’t anticipated the significant attention their photo would attract. However, the overwhelmingly positive response after sharing the picture and her grandmother’s life story with a local meteorologist caught her off guard. Gracie sees this as a “wonderful” opportunity for her grandmother to enjoy “a bit of notoriety.”

A Life of Resilience

MaeDell’s life wasn’t always easy, but Gracie never heard her complain. Married at 16 to a 50-year-old railroad worker, MaeDell had 13 children with him and became a stepmother to his 10 children from a previous relationship. Despite lacking modern conveniences like running water, dishwasher, and washer/dryer, MaeDell ensured her family never went without meals or clean clothes.

A Growing Legacy

With each passing generation, the family expands. Gracie notes the next birth will bring the count to 622. Reflecting on her grandmother’s journey, Gracie concludes, “She has lived a full life. I just love her.” MaeDell’s resilience and enduring love have left an indelible mark on her family, spanning six remarkable generations.