BY MIKE FUHRMAN
Thelma Keever was the center of attention at Monticello Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon.
Within two hours, over 100 people who loved Thelma brought her flowers, cards and gifts. They hugged her, told her they loved her and posed for dozens of photographs.
A few days before her 100th birthday, Thelma was enjoying every minute of it. Wearing a small crown and a “100 & Fabulous” sash, as befits a centenarian, she smiled as she greeted each well-wisher. Her eyes sparkled as she recounted memories of her childhood, when her father called her his little “cotton picker.”
“It was just wonderful,” she said after visiting the last person in line. “I loved them all.”
Thelma, the daughter of Oscar and Gertrude Deal, was born on August 16, 1924, in the family home at the corner of Massey Deal Road and Old Mountain Road. Her great-grandfather, Little Gabriel Stevenson, was one of the original settlers of Statesville.
Life was not always without ups and downs for Thelma. She lost three husbands and three children, outlived all her siblings, and experienced the Depression as a child and the Second World War as a young adult.
In her later years she had some health problems, but her positive attitude and faith in God helped her through life’s losses and many challenges.
“I had to get new teeth and hearing aids. Some of them were worn out,” she said.
The secret to her longevity, she said, is simple: “Trust in God.”
While her faith was the central part of her long life – members of three different churches attended her celebration – her work ethic and genetics also contributed to her longevity. Her mother lived to be 93 years old, and Thelma’s commitment to caring for her family was a driving force in her life.
Her first husband, Marvin Allen Beaver, died on June 23, 1944, about eight months after their wedding. Her second husband, JC “Buddy” Somers, died on November 27, 1956, leaving behind Thelma and four young children.
As a single mother, she kept the family together by sewing clothes for other families and making sure her children had everything they needed – food, love and discipline.
“I was missing some of the things my friends had,” said her son Steve Somers. “We had clothes to wear and food to eat. She provided us with a good home.”
In 1963 she married Noel Mars Keever. He died on January 21, 1995.
Today her family consists of eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.
They are amazed at her memory – she knows most of the state capitals and can recite the books of the Bible. And she is amazed at her attitude and good nature despite the losses she has suffered.
“I’ve never seen her without a smile on her face,” said Thelma’s nephew John Gallina.
Three of Thelma’s granddaughters, Adrienne Lankford, Maribeth Warren and Stephanie Barnard, were among the relatives gathered for her birthday celebration.
They said the head of the family had been looking forward to her milestone birthday – and they were thrilled that she was in good health and able to enjoy her big day.
Thelma was still driving and living alone last December until she had an accident in her driveway. Today she lives with her daughter Jolene and still goes to church most Sundays.
“The old gray mare – she’s not what she used to be,” said Thelma.
But it’s still pretty incredible.
