Gressette, who celebrates her 100th birthday on Oct. 4, still has her sharp wit, keen mind and unyielding curiosity about life. I’ve had a good life,” Gressette said. Gressette is the mother of four children (one of whom has passed away), 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She enjoys emailing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “I think family is everything.