Mary Louise James, born March 28, 1915, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday.

A native of Maple Hill, N.C., James has three children, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two special god-grandsons. She has not lost any of her descendants.

James enjoys reading her Bible and spending time with her family. She resides in Suffolk with her daughter, Ardell Wright White, and family.

James says the secret to a long life is “being nice to people.”