By Tyra Jackson

The Selma Times-Journal

People gathered Saturday to celebrate the life of a Selma native and former teacher, as she turned 100-years-old.

Wallace Community College Selma’s cafeteria was filled with balloons and people who came to celebrate Athelstein S. Parrish’s birthday.

The former Hudson High School social studies teacher loves people, and apparently people love her just as much, as the room was filled with her former students, coworkers and some of Selma’s dignitaries, including former Selma mayor James Perkins Jr. and the Rev. F.D. Reese.

Parrish said she also felt her sister Irene’s presence at the party. Irene passed away about a year ago.

The century mark hasn’t quite sunk into Parrish’s mind or her spirit, as she actually feels younger.

“I don’t feel it, and I don’t look it,” she said. “I feel so great. If I could walk, I’d be all over this place like an ant.”

The secret to a longer life is realizing you have one life to live, Parrish said.

“Everybody live your life like you want,” she said. “Don’t be a person who envies people. You’re not supposed to be blessed alike, but you’re blessed.”

In the eyes of her niece Alfrae Johnson-Ragins, Parrish is a Selma Icon. She said she is absolutely delighted, but not surprised to see all of the individuals who came out to celebrate her aunt’s birthday.

Although Parrish moved to New York with her niece about two years ago, Ragins brought her aunt back home to Selma, in order to honor her birthday.

“To see her back here is a wonderful thing,” Ragins said. “She’s happy being here. This is her home, and I knew that I had to bring her back here.

“Any celebration of her had to be here in Selma, so that’s why we’re here.”

Ragins describes the centenarian as a witty, stylish and humorous person who doesn’t shy away from the truth.

“She’s a very giving person, but a no nonsense person She tells it the way it is. So, if you don’t want to know the truth, then you might not want to ask her. She may not be the person to speak to,” Ragins joked.