Maude Augusta Welch Baldwin (1903-2008)

In the Franklin (NC) Times newspaper last week in the obituaries they had the obituary of my 2nd cousin, twice removed-in-law, Maude Baldwin. Maude is related to me through my ancestor John Ray. I never met her, as far as I know, but thought since she was a relative and lived as long as she did, she deserved some kind of mention.

Maude lived 104 years! She almost made it to 105, within a month. She was born Feb 7, 1903. The died the first day of 2008. That is a long voyage through life.

Maude had 14 siblings. She was the oldest. Four are still living. Her husband, Donald Justice Baldwin was born in 1902, was a carpenter, and died 1976,

At sixteen she was a school teacher in Aquone. Some of her students were older than she was. After she married and had children she resigned her job as a teacher and became a seamstress and worked from her home and a shop in Franklin. She retired at age 66, but continue to work part time until she was 80.

She had a 1963 Chevy Nova that she drove until she 93.

She credits “blessing the Lord” and hard work for a long healthy life.

Maude lived 104 years! She almost made it to 105, within a month. She was born Feb 7, 1903. She died the first day of 2008. That is a long voyage through life.