Camden's Oldest Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - Camden's oldest resident celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by family and friends at a Sunday church service.

Blanche Pierce knows she's amazing.

"That's what I've been told over and over and over and over."

But she can't explain the secret of her longevity or how she continues to look so beautiful.

"I don't know what I did but I lived with Christ, lived how the Lord would have me to live."

When Pierce's large extended family asked how she wanted to celebrate her birthday, she told them she wanted them to go to church with her. So they headed to the Bethel AME Church in Camden, along with Mayor Dana Redd, who read a proclamation.

"Mother Pierce has also lived through several major world events such as two world wars, the sinking of the titanic and the inauguration of 19 U.S. presidents.

Granddaughter Kimberly Flowers says the family feels lucky.

"We just wish for her to be here as long as she can with us and continue to be an inspiration to all the grandkids and the great grandkids.

Pierce says she wants them all back in church for her 106th birthday.

Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio