Rutherford Weekly

Page 2 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, September 14-September 20, 2023 Surrounded by good friends recently while at an early morning breakfast, Violet Kelly was the guest of honor. She should have been- she reached her 100th birthday on August 30 and a few days before her actual birthday, friends gathered for biscuits and a birthday cake to celebrate. Along with her close friend Joan Benfi eld who sees Mrs. Kelly at least three times a week to check her blood sugar, other friends gathered at Hardee's to share birthday wishes with Mrs. Kelly. She also celebrated her 100th birthday with a meal at Big Dave's as family and friends came to wish her well. It was a good celebration. One of six daughters born to Drew and Bertie Hill of Caroleen 100 years ago, she attended Caroleen Elementary School and later Tri High School where she graduated. She met her future husband, T.F. Kelly at Tri High and after their marriage, she worked at Caroleen Mill until their only child, a son, Dean Kelly was born. Later she and T.K. Kelly worked different shifts at the mill so one parent could be home with Dean. Dean Kelly later became a minister of the gospel and would later move away from Rutherford County to pastor churches. He passed away more than 25 years ago, just two weeks after his dad, T.K. Kelly. It was an awful time. Mrs. Kelly said she got through the sadness of the losses with the help of the Lord. Her daughter-in-law and children and grandchildren, who live out of town, came to Sandy Mush to visit Mrs. Kelly for her birthday. They visit on holidays and other special occasions. Seating in the living room of her Sandy Mush home where family photos decorate the walls, Mrs. Kelly talked about living a simple life- going to Caroleen Baptist Church where she gave her life to Christ and was baptized as a child. She later joined Sandy Mush Baptist and still goes on days when she feels like it. If there's something Mrs. Kelly learned as a little girl and that she later taught her son and grandchildren was to be kind. When she wakes in the morning, Mrs. Kelly said she makes her breakfast, usually sausage, grits and eggs, sometimes liver mush and occasionally she drinks coffee. A recipient of the Rutherford County Senior Center Meals on Wheels for her noon day meal, Mrs. Kelly still cooks occasionally. Her favorite dish she makes is steak and gravy. Since Mrs. Benfi eld checks her blood sugar three times weekly, she keeps tap on her diet. Although healthy all of her life, she was diagnosed with diabetes some time ago and she wants to keep it under control. She enjoys holidays, especially Thanksgiving and when possible, she gets together with her family. She decorates for Christmas and a niece puts a small tree in the living area. Growing up the Kellys often went to the drive-in movie just down the road at The Midway. She still enjoys television and her favorite shows are "the puzzles ones." She always watches The Price is Right. Mrs. Kelly says she believes she's lived 100 years because the Lord isn't fi nished with her yet. "He wants me here for some reason." She prays every day, especially when she's worried over a family issue, and she reads the Bible. When her family leaves her house after visiting, she worries about them traveling. "I always pray for the Lord to be with those who are traveling," she said. "Someone asked me 'why do I worry? And I asked them 'how do you not worry'?" She just wants to know her family and friends are safe and when they leave after a visit she also tells them to be careful. She has always enjoyed gospel music and some country songs. Her favorite song, "God Be With You, ''til We Meet Again," is a testament to her family and friends who come by to see her and until they meet again, she prays God will be with them. C o l fa x Fr e e Fa i r C o l fa x Fr e e Fa i r Tues., September 19 Tues., September 19 th th - Sat., September 23 Sat., September 23 th th ALL RIDES START ON ALL RIDES START ON WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY! Old Ellenboro School Grounds Old Ellenboro School Grounds RIDES RIDES GAMES GAMES FOOD FOOD FUN FUN We would love for folks to come out Tuesday night to support the school and get some delicious fair food, play bingo and visit the vendors and exhibit hall! Article & Photos Provided By: Jean Gordon A 100th birthday gathering for Mrs. Violet Kelly Mrs. Violet Kelly at home. A birthday cake at Hardee's with Joan Benfi eld and others. Call 828.248.1408 rutherfordweekly.com Areas largest circulation! Plus Digital Edition included! ONE BUY! NO EXTRA COST! *Actual size. Ask about multiple week discount. 2 column by 2 column by 3 inch ad 3 inch ad Black & White $57 Color $65 Color $65 Always Positive News! ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS 2 column by 3 inch ad Color $65 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

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