On February 13, Clara Helen Thomas turned 100 years young, and this week, Osceola County made sure the milestone did not go unnoticed.
During a heartfelt presentation inside the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners Chambers, District 4 Commissioner Cheryl Grieb led a special recognition ceremony honoring Clara’s extraordinary century of life — a life deeply woven into the history of Kissimmee and Osceola County.
“On behalf of the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners, it is my pleasure and my honor to recognize your extraordinary legacy on the occasion of your 100th birthday,” Commissioner Grieb said during the presentation, as Clara was surrounded by family, flowers, and generations of love.
A Life Rooted in Strength and Service
Born February 13, 1926, in Lake Wales, Florida, Clara was the tenth of eleven children born to John and Isabel Adkins. In 1947, at just 21 years old, she moved to Kissimmee with her husband, Roy Lee Thomas — a man who would later become the city’s first Black licensed building contractor.
Living through segregation, Clara met every barrier with quiet strength.
Together, Clara and Roy purchased land and built homes to provide housing for African American families at a time when options were scarce. They converted their first home into a rooming house, which Clara lovingly managed for more than 30 years. It became a place of stability, dignity, and opportunity for generations of tenants.
Her impact extended far beyond housing.
Clara was among the first African American parents in Kissimmee to send her daughter to an all-white school when integration began — a courageous step that helped pave the way for future generations.
Professionally, she worked first as a domestic worker before becoming a licensed cosmetologist — the third African American hairstylist in Kissimmee — operating a home salon for 15 years.
Faith as Her Foundation
Faith has guided Clara throughout her life.
She and Roy faithfully served at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for 33 years, where Roy built the sanctuary and Clara served as a Sunday School teacher, deaconess, counselor, and member of the Singing Angels choir. Today, she remains a devoted member and former trustee of Saint Luke’s Baptist Church.
Still sharp and engaged at 100, Clara reads the newspaper daily, enjoys crossword puzzles, and keeps up with the community she has loved for nearly eight decades.
She is the proud matriarch of a large and thriving family — remembered for her elegance, creativity as a seamstress, joyful spirit, and unwavering resilience.
Wednesday’s ceremony was filled with laughter, hugs, and countless photos as family members gathered around Clara for pictures — including a few playful selfies that brought smiles across the room.
Commissioner Grieb presented Clara with a commemorative certificate and beautiful roses, marking not just a birthday, but a legacy.
The moment served as a powerful reminder that Osceola County’s history is written through the lives of pioneers like Clara Thomas — individuals whose resilience, faith, and service continue to inspire generations.
Positively Osceola was proud to be there as Clara Helen Thomas celebrated 100 remarkable years — a century defined by strength, compassion, and community.
🎂 Here’s to 100 years of impact — and a life that continues to shine brightly in Osceola County. Happy Birthday Clara!!
