Thomas celebrates 100th birthday

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Daisy Small Thomas recently celebrated 100 years of youth with a drive-by celebration hosted by family members. Originally planning to host a formal celebration to commemorate Thomas’ 100th birthday, the family’s plans were put to a halt due to COVID-19, so, participating parties were instead sent a specific invitation to line up at 11:30 a.m. for the drive-by celebration to honor Thomas’ big day.

On the morning of her birthday, a large sign was placed in the front yard of Thomas’ residence that read “Happy 100th Birthday, Daisy". Suited up in a mask and face shield, Thomas sat in a chair beneath a tent located near the driveway of her home for the birthday parade. Participating parties took photos of the event from their view and submitted the files to the photographer, and gift bags were given to each participant.

Daisy’s background

Mrs. Daisy Small Thomas was born in Boston, Georgia. She attended the Boston School System through its highest grade offered, eighth grade. Wanting to obtain her high school diploma, Thomas’ father sent her to live with his sister in St. Augustine, Florida to attend high school.

While in St. Augustine, she met her spouse, the late Samuel Thomas, and they married in 1944. A college student himself, Samuel encouraged Daisy to pursue her interest as well and in 1948, Daisy graduated from the Agricultural and Technical College, specializing in tailoring. Daisy worked in a shop tailoring men’s suits but eventually became bored of sewing and left her job. She decided to return to school while working full-time hours as a machinist at P. Lorillard Tobacco Company in Greensboro, North Carolina. She eventually obtained a BS in history from North Carolina A&T State University in 1968. Daisy then began teaching at Lexsy Elementary School. Mr. William Eason was her first principal. The following school year, Daisy transferred to Adrian Elementary School. She later retired from the Emanuel County Elementary School in 1986.

After retirement, Daisy and Samuel moved to Jonesboro and later became residents of Waldorf, Maryland.

Daisy and Samuel had two children, Cassandra Thomas (Waldorf, MD) Kemp and the late Samuel S. Thomas Jr.; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.