For St. Martinville resident Theresa Pickney, work in her younger years was a family affair.

Everyone in their household did their part. 

“We would cut sugar cane and load sugar cane,” she said of her family’s tasks. There were no tractors in those days.

“You had to load sugar cane in wagons with mules. /my momma was a good cane cutter.  She was faster than me for her age,” said Pickney.

In Parks at the age of 24, Theresa married the love of her life. 

“He was in the service and I waited for him until he come back, she said. 

The couple has four children, three boys and one girl.

Her daughter recently passed away, she said.

Theresa made a living babysitting and caring for children. It was a job she loved and would do again if she could, she said.

A cancer survivor about 15 year, the longtime caregiver believes someone has been looking out for her.

“The doctor told me, ‘Mrs. Pickney somebody was praying for you up there.'”

Today, she says her life is what she wants it to be. She said she can go practically anywhere she wants to go. 

“I forget and that I’m still driving my little Honda,” she said. “That’s why a lot of things are going on these days. I take care of my business.”