One hundred years have waited for the Luella (Hess) Dreyer birthday party on Sunday, September 28 at Millville’s First Assembly of God at 11 a.m. The three sons, Don, Ron and Tom and their family from across the country are joining their retired school teacher mother, and a multitude of friends with an open house following from 12:45 to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Center.
“Over the years, this sharp, now retired math teacher from northern New York State, is known for her diligent and caring kindness,” said Rev Gerritt W. Kenyon, pastor emeritus. “She has left her mark in the community with her tutoring, helping friends, especially in the times of illness; volunteering in the church office, including bookkeeping; vacation Bible school; a Cub Scout den mother; various service groups, and the last several years as a secretary of the Seniors 4 Life network group.”
Dreyer, born in Lowville, NY, graduated from NY State College for teachers in Albany (now known as SUNY). She also took grad courses from the University of Wisconsin and Rowan University. She taught five years in New York before her family moved to Millville in 1950. From 1965 to 1985, she taught college prep math and French in Millville Memorial High School and has attended most of the graduations.
“I’m very proud of the successful careers that many of my former students have had,” Dreyer stated. “I would tell my students, ‘You’re going to go far beyond what I have accomplished.’ ”
Still physically and mentally active, in the last 10 years her travels have included the West Coast with a balloon ride, the Grand Canyon, driving alone around Glacier National Park, travelling above the Arctic Circle in Alaska, driving several times to Lowville, NY, and visiting New Hampshire. All the while, she’s been active locally at monthly small school teacher luncheons, on the computer, texting, doing word puzzles and games, and very seldom missing church.
The Chamber of Commerce bestowed Dreyer with the Pride In Millville award four years ago. In addition to her three sons, she has nine grandchildren and 12 great-grands. She lives in the Millville home that her father built in his later life where she has enjoyed her flowers and yard.
With reflection, Dreyer says, “As I look back at the 100 years God has given me, I am more than thankful. Without countless answers to prayer and God’s watchful care, I would never had made it this far. I want to give Him all the praise and glory for all the events in my lifetime.”
Her important lesson learned: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6
When learning of the public gathering, Luella asked in lieu of gifts, that Timothy’s Abobe, a mission close to her heart, be remembered, designated through Millville Assembly and tagged “Timothy’s Abobe.” The website is timothysabode.org.
