ENGLEWOOD — An Englewood family is planning a big block party for their soon-to-be 105-year-old loved one on Aug. 20.
Rose Atchison has been a part of the community since 1971 and will celebrate 105 years on Aug. 15. The Englewood Police District recognized her on Tuesday, and Cmdr. Larry Watson presented her with a certificate. Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) said he’s working closely with the family to help organize a birthday celebration for the 6100 block of S. Marshfield Ave.
“It’s very exciting to have so many 100 plus seniors in our community,” Lopez said, adding that he knows Atchison's family well.
Her grandson, Andrew Atchison, said his grandmother has always had energy and would race the neighborhood children well into her 60s.
That energy could be seen on Tuesday at the National Night Out Peace event put on in collaboration with the Englewood Police District, local churches and community organizations such as the Peace House and I Grow Chicago.
It was part of an annual nationwide event that aims to better connect the community with police, Sgt. Kimberly Woods said. There was free food, music, games, face painting, a yoga demonstration and more.
Atchison, who had to be pushed in her wheelchair, smiled at everyone while she danced. One of her favorite singers is the late Michael Jackson. She couldn’t stand, but she could be seen tapping her feet to the beat of the music and moving her arms in the air.
“Hey now,” she shouted a couple of times while swaying to the music. Family and friends gathered around her chair and danced too.
Andrew Atchison said the block has always loved and respected his grandmother.
“You were hungry? You ate,” he said. “You needed a place to stay? You slept. That was it. A lot of people will say they love you, but do they have your well being at heart? She has always had people’s well being at heart.”
He said the family is honored to be a part of her lineage.
Granddaughter Maxine Davenport said she and her grandmother worked together for the railroad, which is now Amtrak, for years. Her grandmother retired in 1977 and has always been known as “Big Mama” to the block, Davenport said.
“My grandmother has never been a drinker or a smoker,” she said. “She never ran the streets, never club hopped and she doesn’t take mess. She’s a different lady. She’s a good lady.”
The family said she has been blind for about 10 years now, but she’s still healthy and moving around.
Her caretaker, Krystal "Cookie" Peters, 33, is an Englewood native and said it's an honor to take care of Atchison.
"I feel blessed to be able to take care of her," she said. "I love people and it's my anointing. I feel so privileged to take care of my people in Englewood."
The family said they are looking forward to celebrating Atchison with friends, family and neighbors later this month.
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