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By Kris Harrell

Greenville resident Gertrude Fails-Payne recently celebrated her 100th birthday, commemorating the day surrounded by friends, family and guests in the event center in Greenville. 

The celebration organized by Fails-Payne’s granddaughter Nathania Walters, was held on Dec. 22, 2024, and catered by Wana’s Catering and Event Services.   

“I was excited from the time it was being planned up until it actually happened,” said Faye Booker, Fails-Payne’s daughter. “I’m glad that [the guests] thought that much of her to want to attend, to help us celebrate her big moment in life.”

Fails-Payne greeted over 100 guests at her birthday celebration, loved ones ranging from the ages of 21 months to 86-years-old. 

Additionally, some of these guests traveled from across America to attend the event. Guests from Alabama, California, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas had arrived in Greenville to help celebrate the occasion. 

“We were ecstatic that so many people showed up, and there were some who were not extended an invitation but heard about the party and came,” Walters said. “We had more than enough room and more than enough food for everyone there.”

In addition to family and friends, Kenneth Crum, founder of Butler County Concern Citizens, was a keynote speaker during the celebration. Crum also gifted Fails-Payne a portrait of herself. 

Fails-Payne received plaques, certificates and birthday wishes and greetings from the City of Huntsville, City of Montgomery, Roxanna Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Montgomery, Frazer Church in Montgomery, Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church and its surrounding community and the Tuskegee Airmen. Additionally, the Covenant Warriors Christian Center serenaded Fails-Payne with Christmas carols at her home. 

For the birthday celebration, Bob Booker also provided an 18-foot-long, almost seven-foot-high yard sign for Fails-Payne.

“During the occasion, my cousin noted that she made it through World War II, survived the Vietnam War, [went] through the Civil Rights Movement [and] [saw] the first black president,” Walters said. “Growing up she’s come from working in the cotton fields [and] the sewing factory. She was part of the voting registration with Butler County and raised seven children who all were college graduates.”

Fails-Payne said she wished to express her thanks to all for the presents and presence at her celebration.