Life at 90

A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses

This article is dedicated to acknowledging examples of “positives” that express the community spirit of Columbus – our town.

What a treat to unexpectantly run across a friend you haven’t seen in a number of years. Recently, when visiting Grand Oaks Antiques in downtown Columbus, I looked at the front door to see two ladies entering who caught my attention.

The first of the two looked really familiar. I spoke out saying, “I know you” (to the first of the two). Her younger companion responded “this is my mother Bea Franklin who was a checker at Walmart for many years.” Immediately, it all fell into place.

This lovely lady, with really great posture and a quick smile, was Bea, my favorite checker at Walmart for a number of years. She checked at Walmart’s farthest checking station to the north. Bea had not been there for a while, but she was just the same / great smile and black-black short hair. It all came to me clearly. What a fine moment!!

The second woman was Bea’s daughter, Sandra Cooper. As they came closer, I started my usual friendly question. “Bea, where do you live – how is your life?” Bea and Sandra proudly announced that they lived out on Hwy 109 near Smith Rau Road. In fact, they proudly told me that they have four generations living together in a two-bedroom home. What an accomplishment!

Bea’s identical twin, Sammie Teague, had left her the house when she passed. My curiosity exploded. I proclaimed, “how can four women survive in two bedrooms.” It was explained that Bea and Sandra share one room and Sandra’s daughter, Cooper Harvest and Cooper’s young daughter, Gabreela, have the second room. They report little dissention / just help with life’s problems.

Back to Bea, who is ninety years old, she expects to live to be 120. She finds time to dance about four hours each Saturday in Sweet Home or Eagle Lake. Daughter Sandra shares that pleasure.

Bea’s daily routine might be a formula for a hearty lifestyle. Her daily routine includes prayer when she wakes and prayer when she goes to bed. She attends church regularly in Rock Island. Her food choices are common. She loves red beans and cornbread. The family loves their dogs and cats. One might be amused to see young Gabby with her pet chickens. She has trained the chickens to stop, squat, and puff out their wings so that she can hold them.

Bea loves to pull weeds and actually pulls a wild lettuce that grows in the yard. The lettuce is quite healthy according to daughter Sandra.

When I reflect on my feelings about Bea as a checker, I remember her smile and her ultimate knowledge of the store. She could guide you to almost any item. How nice it is to account for someone who gave such quality to their job. If you see Bea, make sure you remind her how she gave such quality to her job. She was appreciated by all. Thank you, Bea!