100th Birthday Observance Nears

Thelma Holtzclaw Mathews

On September 26, 2024, Thelma Holtzclaw Mathews will celebrate her 100th birthday. Born in Titus, Alabama, Elmore County, Ms. Mathews obtained a High School GED education. She has been a Buffalo resident for the past 54 years.

Ms. Mathews is the sole survivor of her seven siblings. A widower, Ms. Mathews is the mother of six (two deceased), grandmother, great grandmother; who lived a simple daily independent life. Ms. Mathews was admired by her neighbors, the (Schwab -Terrace Municipal Housing Complex) and still laughs and enjoys a good joke.

Ms. Mathews remembered periods of her past, the Great Depression, WWII, Governor George Wallace of Alabama, President Kennedy’s assassination, Rev. Martin Luther King, President Bill Clinton; moreover, the first Black President, Obama, and Black female, Vice President Harris, being voted into office. “I never dreamed that I would see the day!”

Ms. Thelma is a Christian, and attended Refuge Temple of Christ, under Pastor Sanders, until her mobility difficulty became too challenging. She is a registered voter, who never failed to vote. She was a home maker, and a domestic laborer when employed. Ms. Mathews believes good fortune is yours, by strong inner strength, winning scratch-off tickets, and when the stomach speaks wisdom is silent.

She encourages a glass of red wine nightly for a long life. Some of Ms. Mathews family, relatives, and friends will join her for a private special celebration. A host of best wishes were received by community and political acknowledgements.