Family, friends and community leaders gathered at Georgiana Health and Rehabilitation Thursday morning to celebrate a pair of miracles.

Mrs. Mary Walton and Mr. Willie Savage, both residents at the facility, celebrated their 108th and 102nd birthdays respectively with a milestone program.

Walton is a Pine Apple native and member of the St. John A.M.E. Church in Georgiana, and she has resided at Georgiana Health and Rehabilitation since Oct. 16, 2001.

Savage is a Forest Home native and member of Oak Valley Baptist Church, where he still serves as deacon.  He has resided at the center since March 8, 2012.

Both honorees had numerous friends join in wishing them a happy birthday by sharing stories about how each had changed their lives both before and during their stay at Georgiana Health and Rehab.

Georgiana mayor Jerome Antone made a proclamation declaring Oct. 25 Willie Savage Day and Nov. 2 Mary Walton Day for the City of Georgiana.

Greenville Police Department assistant chief Anthony Barganier also made proclamations on behalf of Greenville mayor Dexter McLendon’s office and presented the pair with plaques in recognition of their long lives and positive influence on their respective communities.

Following a slate of personal testimonies from the floor, Georgiana police chief Carlton Cook offered words of thanks to Georgiana Health and Rehabilitation for their continued collaboration with the department. He also thanked the honorees for the wisdom both Walton and Savage had bestowed in their lifetimes.

He also quoted the opening verses of Ephesians Chapter 6, which states that longevity is the reward for obedience.

“This scripture is a map that tells each of us about God’s promise about obedience,” Cook said.

““It is a tremendous blessing for our community for us to have history right here in Georgiana.”