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Friends and family of Luverne native Martha Thomas gathered at the host’s home to celebrate her 65th birthday.

“It just means so much because it’s a milestone age,” Thomas said. “It’s a blessing for me to be able to walk around and do all that I can, especially with the epidemic that’s going on. I’m thankful that God has had all of us covered.”

Thomas grew up in Crenshaw County.

She attended Crenshaw County Training School until the school’s integration, and then moved to Luverne High School in 1971.

“We had to integrate,” Thomas said. “I went to Luverne High School and graduated in 1973.”

After graduation, Thomas attended a few classes at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, and retired as an officer from the Alabama Department of Corrections after 25 years.

She now spends her time as a church clerk at St. John Missionary Baptist Church alongside her husband, Deacon Isham Thomas.

A drive-thru parade started the get together before Thomas’ friends and family gathered in her yard for speeches and remarks from her closest friends.

Thomas’ Pastor James Taylor gave words of inspiration to the small crowd.

“We all know that 65 is a celebrated number,” Pastor Taylor said, “but the Bible says that the number 65 is a spiritual enrichment number.”

Thomas thoughtfully provided guests with a small gift to take home instead of asking for her own.

She finished by thanking guests for their kind words and well wishes.

“You’ve come from near and far today,” Thomas concluded. “I want to thank you for helping me celebrate.”