NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- A Norfolk woman has officially seen 100 Thanksgivings.  ‘Granny’, otherwise known as Vernice Bell Archer, was born on Nov. 24, 1924.  On Thursday, friends, family and community members celebrated her birthday at her home while carrying on her wish to give back to the community.   "It's a miracle that she made it 100 years. So, I told her, I hope I followed her footsteps,” Beverly Freeman, her oldest daughter, said.   Freeman was one of many who showed up to celebrate the occasion.  She explained that giving back is something her mother is known for. “Granny” would open her door every Thanksgiving for over a decade to any and every one to have a free meal.   "She just loves everybody, and she has had, I don't know how many functions here, but whoever wanted to come in and eat, she loves to cook,” Freeman said.   But this year, Granny got to sit back and relax while people dropped in to pick up a free tray and give their best wishes.  "A lot of times people give, [but] they don't necessarily give from their hearts, sometimes [they have a] hidden agenda. But mother Archer is a prayerful woman, and she gives diligently from her heart to all kinds of people," Peewee Thompson, a local outreach minister who attended, said.   The Norfolk State University alumna became a prayer warrior for the Christian Broadcasting Network in the 1970s, and opened up her home in the 1980s to host children for vacation bible school.  She has three children, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.   She told 10 On Your Side she owes her long life to her faith and gave advice to those who hear her story.   "Thank God, children, every day. Not for your birthday, but every day,” Granny said.