Thelma Bowers Celebrates 100 Years

On April 20^th, 1999, a huge crowd gathered at Eastdale Estates in Montgomery to join Mrs. Thelma Bowers in celebrating her 100^th birthday.

She received special recognition from the President, the Governor and the Lt. Governor. The Alabama State Legislature designated the day to be "Thelma Bowers Day."

Her family presented a lovely photo essay of her life. Beautiful decorations, a matching cake and a television camera added to the excitement. Mrs. Bowers, as sharp as most women half her age, graciously and humbly accepted the attention.

Born and reared in Covington County, Mrs. Bowers graduated from Andalusia High School and Huntington College (Montgomery), where she studied piano. She married A.M. Holloway in 1923. Ten years later, she was widowed with four small children who she worked and provided for until they were married.

In the 1950s and '60s, she served as Postmaster of Gantt, but never gave up her piano playing. In 1960, she married again, to Charlie Bowers.

Seven years ago, again a widow, she moved to Eastdale Estates in Montgomery where she continues to play the piano to accompany worship services to glorify God. She also actively plays dominos and bridge.