The Shadow
Feb. 1, 1905, is a date most don’t give a second thought. In fact, most of us weren’t even born then.
But to a Covington lady, that is her birthday, and Monday, Kathleen Byers was given a birthday party to celebrate her 105th birthday at Highland House where she is a resident.
Her son, Peter Byers, and the staff at Highland House arranged the special celebration.
Kathleen Byers was born at Coleman Falls on Feb. 1, 1905, to her parents, Charles Newbill and Minnie Ogden. Her father worked at the Bedford Pulp and Paper Company pulp mill at Coleman Falls when she was a child.
Mrs. Byers went to Pleasant View High School in Amherst County, and while going to high school, she lived with her aunt, Lena Coleman.
After graduating, Mrs. Byers taught school for three years at Coleman Falls. After teaching for three years, she went to Reddick’s Business School in Lynchburg, and after graduation, she stayed on as a teacher at Reddick’s for two years.
Mrs. Byers came to Covington in 1929 and went to work at the Industrial Rayon Plant. She worked about a year at the Rayon Plant and then went to work for Covington Grocery, a wholesale supplier. She worked until 1936.
On Aug. 16, 1930, she was married to Peter P. Byers Sr. When their only child, Peter P. Byers Jr. was born in 1936, she became a full-time homemaker at their residence in Rosedale. Her husband worked for 48 years at Westvaco before he retired. He is now deceased.
Mrs. Byers was noted for her flower gardens and arrangements, and for many years, she was active in the Jackson River Garden Club. Several years ago, she was granted lifetime membership in the Jackson River Garden Club and has received many awards for her flower gardens and arrangements.
She was also an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church in Covington.
Mrs. Byers’ son, Peter, and his wife, Harriet Hayslett Byers, helped her celebrate her 105th birthday Monday at the Highland House. Mrs. Byers also has three grandchildren, Gary in Pennsylvania, Peter in Georgia and Kevin in Georgia, along with seven great-grandchildren.
Peter Byers said his mother’s health is very good, but she does have some problems with her hearing and her eyesight. One of the attendants at Highland House said Mrs. Byers is a sweet, loving person.
For a person to live to be 105, Kathleen Byers has been truly blessed by God. She has enjoyed a full life, and we wish her many more happy days.
