At 98 years old, MaeDell Taylor Hawkins, a beloved matriarch from Kentucky, experienced a truly heartwarming moment when she finally got to meet her first great-great-great-grandchild, seven-month-old Zhavia Whitaker. The special encounter was shared by MaeDell’s granddaughter, Gracie Snow Howell, in a photo that quickly went viral.
MaeDell’s family is truly remarkable—she currently has an astonishing 620 grandchildren, stemming from her own daughters and their subsequent children. What makes this meeting even more extraordinary is that all the generations in the photo are female. Gracie mentioned in an interview with People Magazine, “We thought this was special because it’s all girls.”
In the photograph, you can see MaeDell’s daughter, Frances Snow, Gracie Snow Howell, Jacqueline Ledford (great-granddaughter), and Jaisline Wilson (great-great-granddaughter). The picture was captured by Sheryl Blessing, one of Hawkins’ granddaughters. It’s a beautiful representation of the strong bond and love that MaeDell has shared with her family for generations.
Reflecting on MaeDell’s life, it’s clear that she has faced her share of challenges. She got married at the young age of 16 to a 50-year-old railroad worker named Bill Taylor, who already had ten children from a previous relationship. Despite the hardships, including her husband’s frequent absence due to work, they went on to have 13 children together. It’s worth noting that during those times, the family lived without modern conveniences, such as a washing machine, dryer, or even running water.
Gracie Snow Howell spoke about her incredible grandmother, saying, “I know she had it hard, but she never complained.” Her mother, Frances, also demonstrated a remarkable spirit, never uttering a single complaint about their simple way of life. This photo of six generations of women serves as a testament to MaeDell’s unwavering support and love, which have ultimately led to generations of happy and healthy women and children.
Looking ahead, the resilient matriarch eagerly awaits her 99th birthday in July. The family is planning another gathering in June, with hopes of capturing another precious photograph together. Gracie mentioned in an interview with Fox News, “If everything goes well, the baby’s doing well, Grandma’s doing well—we’re all going to meet back in June and get another picture.”
According to Fox News, MaeDell Taylor Hawkins currently has an astonishing 106 grandchildren, 222 great-grandchildren, 234 great-great-grandchildren, and 37 great-great-great-grandchildren residing across the United States. This exceptional woman’s legacy continues to grow, with her love and influence touching the lives of numerous generations.
The story of MaeDell Taylor Hawkins and her extraordinary family is truly inspiring. It’s astounding to imagine raising so many wonderful children with such limited resources. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
