BAY MINETTE — Today Eugener "Ma'Dear" Watson celebrates a century of life. The centenarian was born in Bay Minette and now lives in Bromley.

The fourth child of the late Earnest and Sylvia Hanks, Watson grew up learning a number of crafts and customs she still participates in today.

"(Her) hobbies include carpentry, traveling, sewing handkerchiefs and quilts, cooking and making preserves, jelly and jam," Watson's daughter-in-law, Becky Snowden-Watson, said.

Above all, however, is her active involvement in the church and ministry. "(She) has continually devoted her life to Christ and serves faithfully in many capacities within the church," Snowden-Watson said.

Watson has been a Sunday School teacher, devotional reader and "Mother" of the Ministry of Christ Church for 16 years. February 2008, she was installed as International Mother of the New Nation International Fellowship of Churches, based in Chicago.

"At New Home Baptist Church she taught Sunday School for five years, and at Magnolia Baptist Church for 23 years. She sang in the choir and was a member of the First Eastern Shore Association of Alabama and Mary Magdalene Women's Group of Chicago, Ill.," Snowden-Watson said.

She said her mother-in-law furthered her Christian studies by attending the Christian School of Theology under Dr. Ron Carter of Columbus, Ga.

Additionally, she attended the Adult Education Program at Douglasville High School for two years and MOCC's educational program.

"She continually seeks knowledge in every aspect available and most importantly, mentors young men and women in achieving a better life through furthering their education," Snowden-Watson said.

Watson's work is not limited to the church, as she spreads her goodwill to the community, too.

"(She) has been dedicated to the ministry as well as her community throughout her life. She served meals in the summer feeding program at MOCC and was a part of the Community Action Group," Snowden-Watson said.

In the Spring of 1929, Watson married the late Albert "Buster" Watson. The couple had 11 children, seven girls and four boys. She now has 24 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

"She took pride in raising her children to be great men and women as well as teaching them to know who Jesus is," Snowden-Watson said.

Her teachings of Jesus do not stop there though. "Her main focus in life is to impart wisdom and knowledge of God into all generations," her daughter-in-law said. "She in fact is an icon in the community of Bromley with her faithfulness and unwavering commitment to God.

"She exemplifies a virtuous woman with a humble spirit, along with living a Christian example which has resulted in the long life she has been blessed with."

Watson credits God with her long life and submitting completely to his will. When asked if she is looking forward to more years, she responded "As long as the Lord says."

The only advice she gives regarding such a long life is to follow Jesus.

"I don't know nothing but praising the Lord," she said.