BIRTHDAY PRINCESS: Susan Baker was born and raised in Ty Ty, having spent the majority of her now 101 years living not only in her hometown, but in the home she grew up in.

TY TY — In 1923, Susan Baker was born in Ty Ty, Ga., and now over a century later, that town remains her home, down to the house she grew up in.

Born on February 1, she celebrated her 101st birthday with a party the first Saturday of February.

Baker was raised in Ty Ty, living her entire life in the Tift area before moving to Detroit, Michigan in 1944. However, she would be called back to her hometown in 1979 when her aunt fell ill, moving back to take care of her until her passing five years later.

After her aunt’s passing, she began working at The Big Store in Tifton, serving customers for many years among its staff.

As part of her move, Baker returned to live in the same home she grew up in, which she lives in to this day. She currently lives alone, but expects that she will need to make the shift to a nursing home before long to help her take care of herself.

Indeed, Baker notes that she faces many struggles in her old age, but strives to make the most of what she’s been given.

“The mind is not as sharp as it used to be,” Baker said. “I would love to be sharp, but I’m not anymore…I’ve still got it, though. I’ve still got it–you can’t mess with me.”

Baker is also an active member of her local church, Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, and makes an effort to attend service every Sunday.