Bridgeport resident Blannie Speller recently celebrated her 101st birthday and reflected on her life.

Speller was born 101 years ago in Lewiston, North Carolina. She grew up in the deep, segregated South.

When she was born, Woodrow Wilson was the president of the United States. Life was very different back then.

Growing up, she worked on cotton and tobacco farms to provide for herself and her family.

Eventually, Speller left the South for a better life. She moved to Bridgeport, where she remains to this day.

Reaching 101 years of life is an amazing feat. Speller says she's grateful to God for giving her good sense and a long life.

Her daughter, Christine Speller, told News 12 that she has always been proud of her mother for teaching her the value of healthy living and hard work.