Wife. Mom. Oma. Friend. – Thekla is all that and so much more, providing a sense of security and a whole lot of love to her family

As Thekla Clayborn turns 60, her family and friends want to celebrate her in every way possible. And that is because she certainly deserves to be celebrated inside and out. Thekla’s compassion, care and dedication are all things her loved ones admire, as is her overall character.

Born in Germany, Thekla is the youngest of five siblings. Yet, despite being the youngest, she has the biggest heart out of anyone you will ever meet. She loves her family and friends so much, and her selflessness shines through each and every single day.

“She is the most giving person ever,” her husband Ben said. “She tirelessly serves others and spreads a trail of joy everywhere she goes. From the dock workers at the High Point Furniture market that she bakes cakes for every time she works there, to the office staff at her doctor or dentist office where she brings chocolate treats that she brings home when she visits her family in Germany.”

For Thekla, she is always thinking of others. She thinks of ways to give to others, and she thinks of ways to make sure the people around her are happy and feel loved.

In fact, this is what Ben saw in her when he first met her back when he was stationed in Germany, and it is still what he sees in his phenomenal wife. She provides so much love and affection for others, and her heart is as big as anyone’s.

On top of being a selfless individual, Thekla is also a trustworthy, loyal individual. She makes the most of every moment in life, and also brings out the best in everyone.

“She is dependable, caring and a bundle of positive energy,” her best friend Cindy Norris said. “We always laugh when we are together. She is a woman of great faith. And I would say a woman of substance; a woman of character. She’s all that and I love the fact that she is from Germany. That makes her uniquely different here in the states.”

Being an immigrant means Thekla brings a different sense of culture with her. People feel something different when they are around her, but of course, it is for more reasons than just her being from another country. It is because she is one of the good ones who people love being around.

Speaking of being around, Thekla loves being around her grandchildren, and that is something neither her husband nor her children take for granted. She makes the most out of every moment she gets to spend with them, and she certainly loves to spoil and instill wisdom into them.

“We live in Virginia and our grandchildren live in New Orleans,” Ben said. “Thekla travels to New Orleans to spend time with the grandchildren, and in the summer we host the grandkids at our house in Virginia. Thekla sets up activities for them every day. Things like craft projects, building gingerbread houses, decorating cookies and cakes, fishing, taking them to the local trampoline park, et cetera.”

Thekla does all the grandmotherly activities and then some. She makes life memorable for her grandbabies, and that is very much appreciated.

What is also appreciated is how wonderful a mother Thekla was and continues to be. With two sons, life was not always easy raising them, but Thekla never made it seem that way. She was constantly there for her boys, and she always will be.

“She is very wise about her discipline to her sons, even to this day,” Cindy said. “She applies the same with her grandchildren; with her generous nature. Thekla shows her love through gifts. She is that way with her grandchildren and her sons.”

What Thekla is to her sons and grandchildren as well is a role model. She is the kind of mom and grandmother they have always looked up to, particularly because of the strong relationship she has with her husband.

“I think her sense of adventure and travel makes her a great wife. Ben has that same nature,” Cindy said. “Second to his family would be his golf. Although Thekla is not a golfer, she is supportive. She knows how much that means to him, and I think that is very big… She doesn’t have to do that; she wants to do that. They laugh together too.”

Thekla is a very sacrificial individual who has given up so much over the years for the good of her husband and her family… and she would not have it any other way. She loves being the matriarch and the leader of the family, and she loves just always being there for all her loved ones.

“My dear, dear Thekla. My friend; my sister. I adore you and thank God for the relationship that we have and look forward to the next 30 years. There’s always an adventure with us, and we will keep those guardian angels busy.” – Cindy

“Her service and dedication to others does not go unnoticed. She is the love of my life.” – Ben