Sunday was a day of celebrating for the Watson family – not only because Alabama won the Iron Bowl but also because Rosie Lee Weston, a longtime fan and dedicated church member, was honored for nearly 50 years of service to her church.

Weston joined Baptist Hill Baptist Church nearly five decades ago. She is perhaps the oldest church member and remains a well-respected member of the church. On Sunday, her family organized an event in her honor.

“We did this because she is such a special person not only to us but also to the community,” son Leroy said.

Weston, who retired from the Brewton education system, was honored with a number of certificates – including one from President Barack Obama in honor of her 84th birthday.

A cook by trade, her family said her path was chosen during her high school home economics class.

“It gave her great pleasure over the years, and she never lost that yearning that she felt in high school to make everyone happy through her cooking,” Leroy said. “ She never grew tired of cooking and never grew tired of showing someone else how to cook.”

His mother, he said, is “happy to still be alive at 84 and is thankful for her relatively good health.”

After living through 14 United States presidents, including the first African-American president, Weston said she would like to live long enough to witness the election of the first female president of the United States of America.

“And I plan to continue with my faith in God, keep my good health and see my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren prosper and do great things with their lives,” Weston said.

She contributes her longevity of life to “my faith in God, I don’t drink or smoke and I get plenty of rest.”

Born in 1931 in Forkland, Ala., it was love at first sight, family said, for Watson and her late husband, Henry Weston Sr. The couple married in 1951 and reared 11 children – two girls and nine boys. Some of them joined the U.S. Army, Navy and the Air Force the others were in many aspects of life ranging from steel mill workers, pharmaceutical salesman and an airline reservationist for American Airlines.

Weston continues to attend services at Baptist Hill Baptist Church.