WS Chronicle

To have the opportunity to celebrate your 80th birthday is a monumental achievement. To have that same birthday celebrated in grand fashion by your church congregation says even more.

Jannie Little, a member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, celebrated her 80th birthday last Saturday at the church with scores of members in attendance. Little was due for a celebration of her own after years of doing so much for others.

“There are all these great memories and I always enjoyed working in the church,” said Little. “I joined the usher board under Rev. Hay and worked through until under pastor Scovins. I just like working in the church, those are my great memories.”

Every birthday for Little holds a special place for her. She lost her mother at the age of 9, when her mother was only 26 years old, so she always wondered if she would make it to that age. Once she passed the age of 26, she looked at every birthday as a special blessing.

“Growing up, I didn’t think I was going to be 25, and when I hit 80, to God be the glory, I was so happy,” she said. “It’s just amazing, for me I just want God to get the glory out of my life today.”

The love-filled event included singing, dancing, music and, of course, food. Planning for the day began back in the summer of 2019. Wilma Davis, one of the event organizers, was elated to assist in the planning of the celebration.

“She (Little) has a story to tell and to live through everything she has lived through, and to still be here after 80 years, and the things she does for everybody, she will go beyond to help anyone,” said Davis. “She works hard for so many other people, so she is here to celebrate 80 and she has been a pillar in her family, church and community.

“It’s exciting to see that everyone feels the same way about her. For everyone to come out and celebrate her and to just show her some love, because she never asks for anything in return, makes my heart happy.”

Rev. Nathan Scovins, Galilee senior pastor, said he was thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate a milestone birthday for one of his most dedicated members.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this and to see Jannie smile,” said Scovins. “She is a hard worker in our ministry, she volunteers and serves and has done that since I have been pastor here.

“When they were talking about it, of course I signed off and said let’s go forward, because she is worthy of being honored today.”

Little has lost all of her family and does not have any children, so she looks at Galilee as her family and dedicates most of her time there. Little says that her goal is to impart wisdom from her life into the younger generation.