JOHN COFFELTEditor

Local woman Martha Dicus celebrated her 100th birthday Monday, June 10 at McArthur Manor.

In addition to her party at the assisted living facility, Dicus celebrated with about 80 family and friends at her longtime home.

Dicus credits her longevity to God.

“The Lord wants me to be here,” she said during Monday’s party.

Dicus’ daughter, Diane Reese said her mother is a tenacious, caring and well-remembered woman.

Dicus recalls still seeing people around town who would come up to her to share stories of when she worked at Sears.

Reese said her favorite story about her mother is that she learned to swim at age 80.

Dicus, still the outgoing woman, still takes care of her friends at McArthur Manor where she makes her daily rounds since she lost her husband on Christmas 2022.

Coffee County Commission approved during the June 11 meeting a resolution naming June 10, 2024 as Mrs. Martha Dicus day.

Interim Mayor Dennis read the proclamation at the meeting.

“She is a very kind lady that helps others feel special and always made herself available for others who needed help,” Hunt said.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.