August 20, 2016 - A 100th birthday celebration was held for Mrs. Oma Lee Kyles on August 15, 2016 at Pine Grove Nursing Home. Family and friends gathered to honor and celebrate Mrs Kyles' special day.
Jerry Lathan, City of Center Councilman, was the master of ceremonies and the son-in-law of Mrs. Kyles, "We are glad you came in and I hope you stay here with us a little while, we won't be here that long but we just want to appreciate this lady that her made a hundred years. That means she knows more about that past than any of us. We thank God for everything that we do and the days that we are here."
Reverend Robert Gibson, Pastor of Mt. Zion CME Church, gave the prayer giving thanks until the Lord for Mrs. Kyles and every one of her 100 years. Following the prayer, Ruby Faye Wilson sang 'Someone To Care;' Beverly Griffin sang 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord', and DeNita Kyles Jones sang 'When I See Jesus, Amen'
Mrs. Kyles was also honored by a letter from the President of the United States, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
We are pleased to join your family and friends in wishing you a happy 100th birthday. As you celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we hope you take a moment to reflect as the many memories you have made over the past century. Your generation has shown the courage to persevere through depression and war, and the vision to broaden our liberties through changing times. We are grateful for your contributions to the United States of America, and we wish you all the best for the coming year.
The City of Center also honored Mrs. Kyles with a proclamation declaring August 15, 2016 to be Oma Lee Kyles Day. Councilman Lathan read the proclamation signed by Mayor David Chadwick to all attending.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison spoke, "I'm so honored to be here to wish you a happy, young, 100th birthday. May we all strive to be as elegant and has as much dignity and be as blessed as you are."
Molly Clark spoke about Mrs. Kyles and her relationship to Ossie Cartwright who was one of men to assist Bob Parker, the County Clerk in 1866, to move the County Records from Shelbyville to Center in the middle of the night. Cartwright had 13 children and Mrs. Kyles is one of only two still living grandchildren of Cartwright.
A poem written in her honor: A century is 100 years and Oma Lee lived each one. She could tell many things she has seen and has done. She survived a fire and was kicked by a horse. But with strength and endurance has run this long course. There was pain to endure and ruts to stay in. With much to be done she knew she must win. All 100 years we celebrate with love. Your family and friends wish you blessing from above. Stay tough and keep smiling so others can see how rewarding your life will continue to be. Written by LaVerne Ross.
Following everyone's well wishes, all sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed delicious slice of her 100th Birthday cake.
Special appreciation was given to the staff of Pine Grove Nursing Home and Heart 2 Heart Hospice for the wonderful work that they do.
