Members of a close-knit family came together to mark the birthday of a woman who turned 103 this month.

The celebration for Inez Wilson took place in her daughter Wanda Butterfield’s house in Southampton on September 18.

About 20 family members gathered to mark the occasion.

Ms Wilson was accompanied by daughters Ms Butterfield, Corrine Fiocca and Betty Anne Lowe, and sons Derek Burrows and Lowell Wilson.

A sixth sibling, Larita Alford, lives in Atlanta. Dr Alford could not make it in time for the celebration but was present online.

Other immediate family members who gathered to celebrate included a grandchild and great-grandchildren.

Ms Wilson's oldest daughter, Janette Burrows, passed away in 1994.

The 103-year-old, who lives with Ms Butterfield and her husband, Quinton, was said to have enjoyed the day with a smile.

Ms Fiocca said: “She did very well; she was very happy. She’s always happy when she’s surrounded by her family. We are a very close-knit family.

“We met up there in the evening and had a professional photographer come to take photos.

“My husband owns Tom Moore’s Tavern and his pastry chef made a beautiful 103rd cake.

“It all centred around her.”

Ms Fiocca said that her mother, who was married twice and is now widowed, had worked hard all her life in the hotel and service industry, and was determined to ensure all of her children received a college education.

She added: "My mother has always worked very hard to take care of her children. She made sure that all seven of us were college-educated. That is a feat.

“She wanted to give us the education that she didn't have a chance to get.

“We went to England, Canada and the US, and all of us have done well in our prospective occupations.

“The grandchildren have all done well and have also been to college — it’s a legacy, you could say.”