Detroiter Celebrates Her 102nd Birthday

DETROIT (WWJ) - One hundred and two candles on Tuesday's birthday cake for Detroiter Wilma Poole.

With the help of family and friends, Mrs. Poole maintains her apartment, preferring to live alone. No surprise, perhaps. She grew up in a very large family. Asked if she thinks there's a reason why she's been around so long, Mrs. Poole credits a strong belief in God.

"I was raised going to church every Sunday," the still very independent grandmother told WWJ's Pat Sweeting. "And, it was a family of 11 of us, 11 children, and my mother always - Sunday morning - get (sp) us ready for Sunday school."

Mrs. Poole remains active in her church as a member of the Mother's Board. She has been widowed since the 1970s.