Brenda Kay Ledford and Mrs. Thelma Howard
My wonderful neighbor, Mrs. Thelma Howard, observed her 100th birthday on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Hayesville, North Carolina.
Thelma is a friendly person and many people attended her birthday party. Members of the church decorated the fellowship hall with pink balloons, pink table cloths, and lovely table centerpieces. A delicious BBQ with all the fixings were served with cupcakes, and a delicious cake.
A lot of people shared fond recollections of Mrs. Thelma. The highlight was the fact that at age 100 she is still planting a vegetable garden each year. She defiantly has a green thumb. She's still driving and her license has been renewed for five more years! Mrs. Thelma still does yard work, mows her own lawn, and runs a power saw. What a woman!
She's a retired teacher at a Daycare Center. Lots of her "Children" attended her party and thanked Mrs. Howard for giving them loving care as toddlers. Parents of these youngsters praised her for taking such good care of their children.
Besides, being a hard worker, Mrs. Howard is such a positive person. She has such a good outlook on life and has a keen sense of humor and a sharp mind.
I recall one time I attended her church after the Covid outbreak. She was sitting on her favorite pew. Mrs. Howard invited me to sit with her and said, "You can't catch anything from me but old age," she said with a laugh.
Just last year, she took a tour to the Holy Land. The pastor said she took every walking tour, up the hills, didn't stop for a rest. She even outwalked him. He was amazed how energetic and enthusiastic she was on the trip.
I wish this beloved lady many more birthdays. I wouldn't be surprised that she will celebrate more birthdays with her typical joyful attitude. She's a real trooper and an inspiration to all of us.
