CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Barbara Holman Robinson’s July 14 birthday did not just make her the oldest resident at Carmichael’s Atria El Camino Gardens. At 109, she is among the most senior citizens of California.

Celebrations included a party at the senior residence and – the following day – a massive get-together for friends, family and fellow churchgoers at City Hall in Rancho Cordova. Even though she has only a son surviving, Barbara was called “mother” by almost everyone at the gathering.

Married for 63 years to California State manager Robert Holman, she worked as a mom, a food manager for AT&T and later followed her husband into church life when Holman became Pastor for Christ Temple Apostolic Church, Sacramento. “She worked hard,” says her son Robert Holman, Jr (81). “Mom’s always been dedicated to family and her church. She gave me and my sister everything.”

The twice widowed centenarian impacted hundreds of lives though her church work. A former drug addict whom Barbara adopted described “mother” as the “most amazing woman I have known.”

“When she took me in, the drugs ended,” said Pauline Kirkendoll. “She taught me how to talk, how to dress. I had been living on the streets. Before her, no one ever treated me like they cared. I’ve been clean for 32 years, and I owe mother my life. She’s my prayer partner now. I take her to church, and we pray together every day.”

Granddaughter and caregiver Angelique Reynolds (63) traveled from Florida for the celebration. Looking after Barbara, she said “is the greatest honor of my life.”

The birthday girl took all compliments in stride. “There’s not a person in this world I don’t love,” said Barbara. “We’re different people; we can disagree. But under our skins, we’re all the same. My advice to people is to stand side by side with your neighbor and love everyone. I thank God for whatever reason he’s left me here for so long, so I can do his work.”