Woman turns 107

Published 9:09 pm Saturday, June 15, 2013

A Suffolk woman celebrated her 107th birthday with family and friends at the King’s Fork Community Center on Saturday.

Susie Clarine Briggs Wynn Walker, known as “Syrup” because of her sweet disposition, feasted on fried chicken — one of her favorite foods — and was honored with speeches from guests.

Susie Clarine Briggs Wynn Walker, left, turned 107 on Saturday and was feted by family and friends at the King’s Fork Community Center. She is joined by her cousin-in-law, Thelma Tucker, right, and her brother, Joseph Briggs.

Susie Clarine Briggs Wynn Walker, left, turned 107 on Saturday and was feted by family and friends at the King’s Fork Community Center. She is joined by her cousin-in-law, Thelma Tucker, right, and her brother, Joseph Briggs.

“She’s just a joy to know,” said Celeste Alston, who grew up near Walker and now works at Autumn Care, where Walker lives. “Anything you ask of her, she would be willing to do for you.”

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Walker was born June 15, 1906, in Wakefield, to parents Joseph C. Briggs and Janie Wilson Briggs.

She completed through the third grade at the Jordan School in Suffolk and later attended an adult education program at East Suffolk Elementary School. She joined Metropolitan Baptist Church at an early age and was a member of the Dorcas Missionary Circle.

She and her mother ran a restaurant together in the Saratoga community. She also worked at the Butter Dish and was a domestic worker. She lived on Mason Avenue for many years.

Her first marriage ended in divorce, and she later married Sylvester Walker, continuing to raise his grandson Royal even after they separated.

She enjoyed fishing, cooking, knitting, sewing and gardening in her younger days. She loved cooking and feeding others, a fact that was verified by many in attendance on Saturday.

Walker has a brother, sister-in-law and many nieces, nephews and cousins still living.

She said she enjoyed the party held in her honor.

“I feel happy,” she said.

She shared the key to a long life in between the festivities.

“I tried to take care of myself, and I never took strong drinks,” she said. “God was good to me.”