Deeotha Johnson’s sons threw her a surprise party on her 90th birthday.

Johnie and Michael Johnson organized the event at the Long County Senior Citizens Center on March 10.

About 80 family and friends attended. Many were local but others came from as far away as Mississippi, New Jersey, Maryland and South Carolina.

Mrs. Johnson was the oldest child born to Willie and Annie Jones in Long County on March 13, 1928.

The oldest member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church and the widow of Willie Fred Johnson, Johnson worked for 28 years at the Long County Registrar’s Office, before retiring in 2017.

In recognition of her birthday, an American flag was flown at the White House and will be mailed to her.

When asked about the keys to longevity, Johnson said, "Trust in God, daily prayer and living right."