Atmore resident turns 108, holds party at Heritage Steakhouse

When Barnetta Rabb Williams was born, a gallon of milk cost 31 cents.

Williams is still going strong as the Atmore resident celebrated her 108th birthday with family and friends at Heritage Steakhouse on Sunday afternoon.

Williams was born on Oct. 20, 1907, and grew up in Monroe County on a farm.

She said she remembers having to do chores on the farm, and having to go and get water from springs and wells.

Williams said her secret to living such a long time is how she treats others.

“I just try to live right and treat everybody like they’d like to be treated,” she said.

Williams married Henry on Dec. 29, 1929, and the couple had one child, David.

In the year Williams was born, the unemployment rate was 2.8 percent; a new home cost $4,500; a new car cost $500; a dozen eggs cost 29 cents; and glasses with gold wire frames cost $1 a pair, to name a few.

During Williams’ birthday celebration, Atmore Mayor Jim Staff presented a proclamation to recognize her 108th birthday, and family and friends gave presentations in her honor.