Decatur’s Etta Freeman died this weekend at 107-years-old, according to an announcement from Jackson Memory Funeral Home.

She was one of Alabama’s oldest residents and was a local legend in her community.

She taught in Decatur for more than 50 years.

For her 90th birthday in 2007, more than 300 of her former students came to A.C. Banks Park to celebrate.

“We were crazy about her then, and we are today,” Audrey Priest of Moulton told AP News.

Freeman was born July 27, 1917, and raised by her grandparents, according to her obituary.

She graduated from Decatur Negro High in 1937 and completed two years at Alabama State College, which qualified her for a teaching position in 1939.

Later on, she enrolled at Alabama A&M University to complete her last two years of college and obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

She taught for over half of her life and is remembered by her daughter-in- law, Jewel Freeman; grandchildren, Cheryl (Cleveland) Smith, Shaka Freeman, Biko Freeman, Nora Jackson, Jewel Freeman, Chaske (Raquel) Freeman; 8 great grandchildren, many cousins, other relatives, friends, and former students, according to her obituary.

“What a blessing Ms. Etta Freeman was to her community!” wrote one friend in a Facebook post.

“Her life was a shining example of kindness, compassion, and courage. I am grateful for the impact she had on our lives and for the lessons she taught us through her remarkable journey of 107 years.”

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced once complete.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Decatur Youth Enrichment.