MaeDell Taylor Hawkins, 98, From Kentucky, Meets Her First Great-Great-Great-Grandchild. With 620 Grandchildren And Many Generations To Come, Her Family Bond Is Truly Special. Read Her Inspiring Story!
98-Year-Old Kentucky Matriarch Meets Her First Great-Great-Great-Grandchild In Heartwarming Family Reunion
In February, a 98-year-old Kentucky matriarch, MaeDell Taylor Hawkins, experienced a life-changing moment when she held her first great-great-great-grandchild, seven-month-old Zhavia Whitaker. The touching photo of the moment, shared by MaeDell’s granddaughter Gracie Snow Howell, quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of people across the nation.
MaeDell, who will turn 99 this July, is the proud matriarch of a sprawling family with more than 620 grandchildren, a result of her daughters and their children’s children. Her love and dedication have left a legacy of strong, supportive women in her family, spanning multiple generations.
A Multi-Generational Family Legacy
The photo that has gone viral shows MaeDell surrounded by her family: her daughter Frances Snow, granddaughters Gracie Snow Howell and Jacqueline Ledford, great-granddaughter Jaisline Wilson, and, of course, her newest great-great-great-grandchild, Zhavia. The moment was taken by Sheryl Blessing, MaeDell’s granddaughter, capturing six generations of women in one photo. Gracie Howell, speaking with People, shared how special this moment was for the family, especially because all the generations in the photo were women.
“It’s all girls,” Gracie said, emphasizing the bond between the generations.
A Humble Start And Enduring Love
MaeDell’s journey as a mother and grandmother began long ago. At just 16, she married Bill Taylor, a 50-year-old railroad worker with 10 children from a previous relationship. Despite the challenges of raising a large family without modern conveniences like a washer, dryer, or running water, MaeDell never once complained about her circumstances.
Gracie Snow Howell, MaeDell’s granddaughter, recalls how, despite the hardships, MaeDell remained a pillar of strength for her family. “I know she had it hard, but she didn’t complain,” Gracie shared with People. MaeDell’s commitment to her family was evident, as she and her husband raised 13 children together, building a life with love and perseverance.
A Legacy Of Generations
MaeDell’s family now spans across the U.S. and includes 106 grandchildren, 222 great-grandchildren, 234 great-great-grandchildren, and 37 great-great-great-grandchildren. According to Fox News, the Hawkins family continues to grow, with plans for more family reunions in the future.
“We’re going to meet back in June and get another picture,” Gracie told Fox News, sharing the family’s excitement to gather once more and celebrate their love for one another. This continuous cycle of love and support showcases the incredible impact MaeDell has had on the many generations she’s raised.
A True Inspiration
MaeDell Taylor Hawkins’ story is a testament to the power of love, family, and resilience. Raising so many children with limited resources is no small feat, but MaeDell’s dedication to her family proves that the love and support you give can build a legacy that spans generations.
As her family grows, MaeDell’s influence continues to shape the lives of her children, grandchildren, and beyond, creating a tight-knit community of love, care, and strength.
