Six Generations of Love: 98-Year-Old Kentucky Matriarch Meets Her Great-Great-Great-Grandchild for the First Time
In a heartwarming moment that captures the true meaning of legacy, 98-year-old MaeDell Taylor Hawkins of Kentucky met her great-great-great-granddaughter, baby Zhavia Whitaker, for the very first time.
The incredible photo—featuring six generations of women—was shared by MaeDell’s granddaughter Gracie Snow Howell and quickly captured the hearts of thousands online. Taken by another granddaughter, Sheryl Blessing, the image includes MaeDell, her daughter Frances Snow, granddaughter Gracie Snow Howell, great-granddaughter Jacqueline Ledford, great-great-granddaughter Jaisline Wilson, and little Zhavia.
“We thought this was special because it’s all girls,” said Gracie, reflecting on the rare generational moment. Baby Zhavia, just seven months old at the time, was cradled by the family matriarch who will turn 99 in July.
MaeDell’s story is as remarkable as the photo itself. At just 16 years old, she married a 50-year-old railroad worker who already had 10 children from a previous marriage. Despite the challenges—raising a large family without modern conveniences like running water or a washer and dryer—MaeDell went on to have 13 children of her own with her husband, Bill Taylor.
“My grandmother never complained,” Gracie told People. “She lived a hard life, but always kept going. And my mother, Frances, never once said anything negative about how they lived.”
It’s clear that MaeDell’s strength and love have shaped the lives of hundreds of descendants. Today, her legacy includes:
- 106 grandchildren
- 222 great-grandchildren
- 234 great-great-grandchildren
- 37 great-great-great-grandchildren
That’s over 620 descendants spanning six generations—an extraordinary legacy of family, faith, and perseverance.
Gracie says the family is planning another get-together in June to take an updated photo if everyone remains healthy and well.
This beautiful moment is a reminder that the power of family extends far beyond generations—and that love, even on a modest budget, can grow into something truly extraordinary.
Can you imagine having over 600 descendants? Let us know what you think of this amazing story in the comments—and don’t forget to share this post with someone who loves inspiring family moments!