Five generations were present at the birthday celebration of Mrs. Pecola Bradley (standing right). With Mrs. Bradley are her daughter, Shirley Ferguson (seated) holding great-great-granddaughter, Kahlia Ferguson, (from left) great-granddaughter, Ashley Ferguson, and granddaughter, LaShawn Ferguson. Mrs. Pecola Bradley was honored on her 80th birthday at a celebration at The Zealia Center in Capitol Heights, Md., Sunday, April 23. Her birthday was April 26.

Mrs. Bradley, lovingly known as "Big Momma" to her family and close friends, traveled to Washington, D.C., accompanied by her daughter and son-in-law, Emma and David Jefferson, and sister, Elizabeth Bufford of Tignall.

For the happy occasion Mrs. Bradley wore a beautiful pink two-piece voile outfit trimmed in sparkling sequins in keeping with the pink color scheme.

"Pecola, 80 Years Lovely," was the theme of the celebration attended by many family members and friends that included her children, Emma Jefferson of Tignall, Shirley Ferguson of Lanham, Md., Glenda Johnson of Landover Hills, Md., and Lindberg Bradley of Washington, D.C.; 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and two greatgreat grandchildren. Mrs. Bradley's son, Tracy Bradley of Tignall, was unable to attend.

It was noted that two of her grandchildren, Gina Bradley of Raleigh, N.C., and William Bradley of Maryland, share her April 26 birthday.

The occasion was a buffet-style dinner with music and a surprise reflections video done by Reginald Jones of Washington. It was a big surprise to learn that DJ Randy Perrin of Washington, D.C., was born in Danburg and his family roots are closely entwined with the family.

During the celebration, family and friends spoke about the love, memories, encouragement, support, cultural and spiritual background they had all experienced in having a relationship with Big Momma.

Grandson Michael Spriggs of Washington, D.C., served as master of ceremonies and grandson-inlaw, Gregory McCombs of Bowie, Md., offered the prayer. Scripture was read by grandson-in-law, Gilmore Jackson of Lanham, Md., who also spoke about love. A poem, "Family and More Family", written by grandson, Akeem Cummings of Landover Hills, Md., was shared. Great-grandson Michael Spriggs of Washington, D.C., played the keyboard and sang "The Momma Song". He was accompanied by great-grandchildren, Nicole Spriggs, Emmani, Erika, David and Bradley Jefferson, Charmeka Jackson, Bianca Craig and cousin, Carla Bradley, all of the Washington, D.C. area.

Accolades were delivered by all the grandchildren in attendance, Jawana Jackson and Deean Jackson of Lanham, Md., Taren McCombs of Bowie, Md., Michael Spriggs, Charlie Duckett of Waldorf, Md., LaShawn Ferguson and Monique Jefferson of Washington, D.C., Akeem Cummings, Robin Bradley of Maryland and Gina Bradley of Raleigh, N.C.. as well as from many great-grandchildren. The floor was opened for words from additional family members and friends who had many kind things to say about their memories and friendship with Big Momma. Words of inspiration were delivered by grandson-in-law Minister Jesse Jackson of Lanham, Md., who spoke about "The Fruit of the Spirit" with emphasis on love and in particular the love Big Momma has shared all these years with family and the influence of that love.

The program concluded with words of appreciation from Mrs. Bradley and a presentation of roses from great-grandchildren, Alexis McCombs of Bowie, Md., and Bradley Jefferson of Washington, D. C.