Birthday reception honors Ola Howard
The former Ola Mai Wilson was born Jan. 28, 1914 and married Asa T. Howard in October of 1932.
During World War II, the family resided in Baltimore, Md., where she worked with the Glen L. Martin aircraft manufacturers as a typical “Rosie the Riveter,” placing strategic labels along the inside of B-26 bombers. Retiring after several years as an employee of Genesco, she has enjoyed extensive traveling, quilting and growing flowers.
For the celebration, Mrs. Howard was attired in lavender with a single pink rose corsage worn at her shoulder.
Gracing the guest register table was a portrait of the Howard family made in 1949. An arrangement of white carnations and nandina foliage was contained in a crystal basket. Kodi Kesey, great-granddaughter, welcomed approximately 100 guests while presiding at the registry. She was assisted by her mother, Peri Howard of Murfreesboro.
The antique oak reception table, overlaid with cutwork linen, was centered with pink carnations, bridal wreath and greenery arranged in a low crystal vase. Forming the background, two ficus trees flanked a quilt of floral pink on white that had been handmade by the honoree. A smaller quilt in pink hues draped her chair.
The rectangle-shaped birthday cake iced in white with pink accents was served with glazed pecans in a silver bowl and other finger foods placed on silver trays. Serving the cake were Peggie McColloch of Viola, a niece, and Sharon Howard of Franklin, granddaughter-in-law. Punch was ladled from a silver punch bowl by Betty Howard and her daughter-in-law, Ashley Johnson of Lebanon.
Round guest tables covered in white linen were centered with deep pink miniature carnations and greenery in clear fluted bowls that were tied with white satin ribbon and draped in pink tulle.