Savannah woman celebrates 101st birthday with family and laughter

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Clara Burston spent her birthday surrounded by family and friends Tuesday.

Burston was born in 1925, stepping in to her 101st year of life.

“You’re too old to drink beer,” Priscilla, a friend, told her Tuesday.

“I am not too old to drink beer,” Burston said.

Looking back on favorite memories

Burston and her loved ones spent the afternoon looking back on favorite memories. She said she loved going dancing, especially during the Boogaloo era of the 1960s.

When asked how often she went dancing, Burston held up 10 fingers.

“Many times. More than ten times,” Burston said.

Family, friends and neighbors stopped by throughout the afternoon to share birthday wishes.

There were flowers, cake and presents.

“I think it’s great, I think it’s wonderful,” Burston said.

Sister serves as caregiver

Burston’s youngest sister, Mary B. Wickware, has stepped in as her caregiver. Wickware said Burston was always their father’s favorite growing up, and hers too.

“She was the one I was always running behind, all the time, she would come and see me, and I would always, ‘Can I come with you?’” Wickware said.

Wickware is 89 years old. She said she believes she and her sister have been kept together for a reason.

“I think God left me here to take care of her,” Wickware said.