An Oakland, California matriarch whose family tree spans five generations is capturing hearts after meeting one of her grandchildren for the first time on national television.
Margie, who is the grandmother of 150 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 50 great-great-grandchildren, appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Monday, Jan. 12, alongside her daughter, Pat, to reflect on her extraordinary legacy and the life that made it possible.
Now nearing her 85th birthday, Margie described her family as a blessing, even as its size makes it impossible to remember every name.
“I do not know all the names,” she told host Jennifer Hudson. “But I am so blessed, Jennifer. I am blessed to be here and to know that there are families supporting you.”
Margie was born in Amarillo, Texas, and became a mother at just 14 years old. By the time she was 21, she had already given birth to five children.
In total, she had eight children, seven of whom are living today. From that foundation grew one of the largest known extended families in the country — and it continues to grow.
Her daughter Pat credited Margie’s determination and sacrifices for the success of subsequent generations.
“My mom gave birth to all eight of her children and she did the best, the very best that she could,” Pat said. “We all got college educations, we all are homeowners, business owners.”
Pat went on to describe the accomplishments of Margie’s descendants, including a nephew nearing medical school graduation, another training as a firefighter, and one who recently passed the bar exam.
As the segment continued, Hudson surprised Margie by introducing family members in the studio audience — including a grandchild she had never met before. When the relative joined her on stage, Margie was visibly overwhelmed, bending down to embrace her family member as tears filled her eyes.
“All the way from Texas!” Margie exclaimed. “Thank you. We’re going to pass this love on.”
The emotional moment highlighted not only the scale of Margie’s family, but also the enduring bonds that connect its generations, even when distance and time have kept some members apart.
For viewers, Margie’s story offered a powerful reminder of resilience, family legacy and the far-reaching impact of one woman’s life across decades.
