Who old was Ma

"Ma" Thomas, the mother of Bigger, Buddy and Vera, is increasingly unable to support her family and she relies upon Bigger to help put food on the table. From the beginning of the novel, Ma is clearly concerned that Bigger's gang involvement is prevented him from finding a respectable job that will allow him to provide for his family. When Ma faces the prospect of her oldest son's execution, she relies upon her religious beliefs as the only consolation.