Betty Jane Sommer Thomas was born on Aug. 8, 1923, to Sophia and Albert Sommer. She graduated from Martins Ferry High School in 1941. She married Tommy N. Thomas in 1945. They operated the Thomas M&K grocery store for over 30 years.

She has a daughter, Debby (Tom), and a son, Tom (Rosie), and a granddaughter Teri. A 100th birthday celebration was held on Aug. 13 at the Tiltonsville United Methodist Church.