901 NOW: Memphis crossing guard celebrates 100 years of life and service

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A centennial birthday on the rise.

Nearly a decade ago (In 2015) Action News 5 highlighted the 90-year-old crossing guard helping students get to and from school safely.

The now 99-year-old is getting ready to celebrate her 100th birthday on August 12th.

Going down memory lane for Dorothy Lee Thurman brings back a flood of emotions both joyful and bittersweet

“I tried to do a lot of things for a lot of people, and seemingly God is hearing that,” Thurman said. “I would do more for them than I’d do for myself.”

A smile in the morning, a safe hand to cross the street. It’s always been about service for Ms. Dorothy. Which is why she spent over 50 years as a school crossing guard for Memphis city schools.

“I’d get up, get my clothes on and get to work,” Thurman said.

A steady presence through decades, Ms. Dorothy didn’t retire until her early 90s. Now knocking on the door of 100, those memories still at top of mind for Ms. Dorothy and the generations of students she’s helped along the way.

“Consistently seeing her, every day at the same time, leaving at the same time, putting on her vest, grabbing her stop sign, getting in the truck, going back home, working in the yard. The same thing over and over,” former student Fred McWilliams said. “Just consistency.”

Holding on to the memories as she enters a new season of life, Ms. Dorthy says while she’s no longer out on the roadways, if she could have it her way, she’d grab her bright yellow vest and stop sign one more time.

“I can’t do it like I used to do it, so I’m just here,” Thurman said. “The kids know what I did for them, and what I was doing for them. And I would do it again if I could.”

All are invited to attend Ms. Dorothy’s birthday celebration. It is August 9th at 3 o’clock at the Greer Chapel AME Family Life center.

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