The "first lady of North Texas real estate" is celebrating a milestone -- her 102nd birthday.
Hundreds of friends and associates of Ebby Halliday gathered at Southfork Ranch on Tuesday morning for the icon's birthday celebration.
"Ebby herself is not only an icon, but a role model for all of us," said sales associate Mary Poss, who says she has counted Halliday as a friend and mentor for three decades. "She has more stamina than anyone could imagine. I suspect she might outlive us all."
Halliday founded her real estate company in 1945. It has since grown to the largest independently owned residential company of its kind in Texas.
Current president and CEO Mary Frances Burleson has been working for the company and with Halliday for 55 years.
She credits Halliday's vision, hard work and commitment to charity for her success, adding that her mentor has continued to be a trailblazer for women in business.
"When I came on board, women didn't have a lot of opportunities, so she opened a lot of doors, and has still done that for a long time," she said.
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Halliday addressed the room, giving a simple "thank you for coming" to the crowd and posing for hundreds of pictures.
She will celebrate her actual birthday on Saturday.
