Jackson resident celebrates her 100th birthday

~ Freda Martin's five daughters all attended her party.

More than 200 people celebrated with Jackson resident Freda Martin at her 100th birthday held recently at the Jackson Senior Center. The circus themed party was hosted by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Rick Wooley. They made a $600 donation to the Jackson Senior Center in honor of Martin, to be used for a laptop computer.

Her five daughters, Wanda Schweer, Doris Grebe, Ella Dee Keith and Shirley Adams, all of Jackson, and Wooley of Orange County, Calif., attended. Martin has 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Martin was born April 24, 1907, to Henry and Sarah Barks, near Sedgewickville, Mo. Her siblings included a brother, Loy, and three sisters, Effie Riehn, Gladys Bollinger and Hazel Henson.

On Jan. 25, 1925, she married Walter Martin, and the couple moved to Leming's Orchard near Oak Ridge. Walter managed the orchard, and Freda worked on the farm selling apples, canning, milking cows, making butter, baking bread and raising a vegetable garden. Sewing for six women was a task she was skilled at, never needing a pattern but instead working from a picture. A self-taught driver who learned on an empty field and a Model T, Martin continued driving herself until about four years ago. A regular at the Jackson Senior Center, Martin now relies on public transit.

The couple moved to Jackson in 1942. Walter went to work for the state Highway Department and Freda went to work at the shoe factory, where she was employed for 31 years.

They joined the First Baptist Church of Jackson, where Martin still attends Sunday school and church regularly. She is a charter member of the Joy Choir, formed in 1983.

Walter died in 1986.

Numerous presentations were made at the party including a greeting from the President and Laura Bush, a letter from Gov. Matt Blunt, a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives and Mayor Paul Sander's signed proclamation declaring April 24 as Freda Martin day in Jackson. Sander presented her with a clock as well.

cpagano@semissourian.com

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