Myrtle Thornton has seen a lot during her many years on this planet; sometimes even Myrtle has trouble believing how old she is.

“I’m 105 now?  Oh my gracious,” said Myrtle.

Thornton was born in Jamaica in 1909. She moved to New York City in the 1960’s, and eventually to Florida.

She’s outlived two husbands and even two sons.

And now, she has more than 100 children – some of them great-great grandchildren.

Her family members are inspired by her longevity.
 
“It tells us there’s something that we need to do to live, if not as long, as well as she did,” said Victor Ketchens, Myrtle's son.

Thornton’s family celebrates the fact that she doesn’t need any assistance in walking on her own – and they know not to question that.

“One day I said, ‘Do you want me to buy you a walking stick?’ And she said, ‘What am I going to do? I’m going to use it on you!’” remembers Ketchens.

So what is Thornton’s secret to living so long? 

Her family says she has always eaten well and exercised.

“For years she would walk three miles, and she would say to me – ‘can you keep up?’" Said Myrtle's granddaughter, Natalie Deler.

But they also say Thornton never worries too much about anything – and treats other people well. Myrtle's family says she put God first, and always took care of people. Her health has just been a blessing.