Do you know someone who loves bright colors, fixes her own hair, balances her own checkbook, lives in her own home, quilts—not just ordinary quilts but prize-winning, gorgeous quilts, weaves rugs in her living room, knits, gardens, and still has energy for young great-grandchildren? I do! She is “Jo” Briant, and she turned 100 years old on Thursday!
Legally, Hazel Josephine “Jo” Briant, but known to her legions of friends as a “spitfire,” her daughter, Constance Filbeck, and granddaughter, Jennifer McKenna, threw her a surprise birthday party on Saturday evening, July 13th, in Freddie’s BBQ & Steakhouse’s large party room. Many local people including good friend, Bernie Fugate, notable Dr. Margo Hagen, and Senator James Leewright, and about 70 of Jo’s closest friends (and her family) gathered around to yell, “SURPRISE!” as a tiny, reddish-haired, engaged lady walked in the door—in a bright red pantsuit and high-heeled sandals. Who does that? Jo!
The celebration was kicked off by a volunteer group called “Centenarians of Oklahoma.” This is a group of five women, based from Tulsa, who find, research, and celebrate anyone in the state who has reached his or her 100th birthday—“Golden Okies.” Theirs is the only group like this in the United States and is self-funded (and appreciates any donations). They do get some grants for ink, stamps, and other expenses. They also honor “Supercentenarians,” who are people who reach 110 years of age. Only about one person in a thousand reaches that milestone!
Jo Briant has joined an elite group of about 225 living centenarians in the State of Oklahoma.
The spokeswoman asked questions of the assembled guests. Who was the most popular singer in 1919, the year “Ms. Jo” was born? Al Jolson (who had 3 Top-40 hits at the same time). Who won the World Series? The Cincinnati Reds. She has seen the advent of “ballpoint pens, dishwashers, remote control everything,” computers, and thousands of other doodads to make our lives easier (and more complicated, too).
Then, a short biography of our “star” began: Jo was born on July 17th, 1919, in Bannister, Missouri. At 16, she married James T. Briant, and stayed with him for 59 years, until he passed away. She has lived in Oklahoma for 63 years. She had twin sons who passed away, and a daughter, Constance, who gave a deeply-felt and moving tribute to her mother later in the program. “Everything I am, or hope to be, I owe to you!” Constance tearfully said.
Jo has one granddaughter, Jennifer McKenna, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and 2 children. They were seated at the “Family” table, and Jennifer was acknowledged for organizing the party from four hours away. A tradition of busy, involved, organized women which started with Jo, is carrying onward. Jo has 2 great-grandchildren, as well.
And about Jo’s quilts? There was a sample of her quilts on display, and anyone would be amazed at a king-sized “Cathedral Window” quilt there, that represented hundreds of hours of sewing. There were two sequined, appliqued quilts with button adornments and the tiniest, most perfect, hand-quilting possible. There was also a display of about 40 Blue ribbons, Best of Show, and others from fairs in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Claremore, and Sapulpa.
Jo loves Spring’s temperate weather, chicken fried steak, Braum’s hamburgers, Dr. Pepper, and her favorite song is “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn. (There was a signed picture of Dolly Parton for her, with best wishes for her 100th birthday.) Many guests brought presents.
Senator James Leewright took the podium next, and read a Citation from the State of Oklahoma, and presented it to her. She beamed up at him, but would have needed a ladder to peck him on the cheek. He was all smiles, too, and a dozen family and friends jumped up to capture the moment on their phones.
She was presented with her official number, 2336, a special ballpoint pen, and a guardian angel pin, a Citation, and biography from Centenarians of Oklahoma.
Her last bits of wisdom for all of us were: “Never give up—no matter what challenges you meet.” And “Keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep learning.”
The Centenarians of Oklahoma group has been in existance for 27 years, has honored over 2,336 Oklahomans (so far), is a non-profit group 501(3)(c) with many statistics about this age group. Check out their website https://www.centenariansok.com for a wealth of information and to donate to keep the parties going.
