Reynolds is 103 years young

At 103 years old, Thelma “Cissy” Reynolds still throws a mean cup of dice while playing Yahtzee, and she’s just as sharp when it comes to playing dominoes at Socorro’s Good Samaritan Village.

“We play the full page (Yahtzee), then there’s dominos, and I like to play bingo, but I usually have to have my face right against the page,” Reynolds said.

Being born in 1921 has resulted in failing eyesight, but it hasn’t had much effect on Reynold’s mind. Although she may have to be reminded now and again about some story, she remains one sharp cookie.

She’s outlived two husbands and describes the early portion of her life as being “restless” which led to seeing the country.

“I was too wild, I guess because I’d work maybe three years on a job. Waitress work or cocktail work or even in one of the United States factories, I was with Norton Air Force Base quite a while,” Reynolds said. “Things like that. I went from one state to another one and Canada, back and all around, just restless.”

Reynolds’ other jobs included counter work at Woolworth and time offering help for those in extended living care. The 14 years she worked at Vermont Grace Cottage in Vermont remains among her favorite work memories.

Born in Missouri, Reynolds is the fifth living generation of her family. Her title ranges from “mom” to “great-great grandmother.”

On May 21, members of Reynolds’s family gathered for an official birthday celebration. Unlike her 100th birthday, which was ruined by COVID-19, there was singing and merrymaking in person. One of her grandchildren performed on the piano as her family sang Happy Birthday.

If there’s a secret to living such a long life, Reynolds freely admits she doesn’t know what it might be.

“All I can say is keep busy. I go out and do activities with the people here. Whatever they’re doing, I’m doing,” Reynolds said.

Even at 103, Reynolds has a life goal of living to the age of 105.

“After that, I think it might be time to graduate,” Reynolds said.