BY MIKE FUHRMAN

Thelma Keever was the center of attention at Monticello Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon.

Over the course of two hours, more than 100 people who cherish Thelma brought her flowers, cards and gifts. They hugged her neck, told her they loved her, and posed for dozens of photos.

A few days shy of her 100th birthday, Thelma enjoyed every minute of it. Wearing a little crown and a “100 & Fabulous” sash befitting a centenarian, she smiled as she greeted each well-wisher, her eyes twinkling as she shared memories dating back to her childhood, when her father called her his little “cotton-picker.”

“It was just wonderful,” she said after visiting with the last person in line. “I had love for them all.”

The daughter of Oscar and Gertrude Deal, Thelma was born on August 16, 1924, at the family homeplace on 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 hasn’t been without trials and tribulations for Thelma. She’s lost three husbands and three children, outlived all of her siblings, and endured the Depression as a child and World War II as a young adult.

In her later years, she’s had a few health issues, but her positive outlook and faith in God have carried her through life’s losses and challenges.

“I had to get new teeth and hearing aids. Some of the things wore out,” she said.

The secret to her longevity, she said, is simple: “Trust in God.” Her biggest vice, according to close relatives, is the fish sandwich at McDonald’s.

While her faith has been the central part of her long life — members of three different churches Thelma has attended came to her birthday party, her work ethic and genetics have also contributed to her long life. Her mother lived to age 93, and Thelma’s commitment to caring for her family has been a driving force in her life.

Her first husband, Marvin Allen Beaver, died on June 23, 1944, about eight months after they were married. Her second husband, J.C. “Buddy” Somers, died on November 27, 1956, leaving behind Thelma and four young children.

As a single mother, she held the family together by sewing clothes for other families and making sure her kids had everything they needed – food, love and discipline.

“I didn’t have some of the things my friends had,” her son, Steve Somers, said. “We had clothes on our back and stuff to eat. She provided a good home for us.”

In 1963, Thelma married Noel Mars Keever. He died on January 21, 1995.

Today, her family consists of eight grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

They marvel at her memory – she knows most of the state capitals and can recite the books of the Bible. And her attitude and good nature, in spite of the losses she has endured, amaze them.

“I’ve never seen her not with a smile on her face,” Thelma’s nephew, John Gallina, said.

Three of Thelma’s granddaughters, Adrienne Lankford, Maribeth Warren and Stephanie Barnard, were among the loved ones who gathered for her birthday celebration.

The family matriarch, they said, has been looking forward to her milestone birthday – and they were excited that she was in good health and able to enjoy her big day.

Thelma was still driving last December and living alone until she took a spill in the driveway. Today, she lives with her daughter Jolene and still makes it to church most Sundays.

“The old gray mare — she ain’t what she used to be,” Thelma said.

But she’s still pretty incredible.

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