At 92 years old, Mrs. Thelma Louise Kimbley shows that creativity does not fade with time. Step inside her home at Baptist Village and you quickly see that her life has been shaped by curiosity, skill and a desire to keep making things with her hands. Her living space tells the story of a woman who has spent decades painting, molding, building, cooking and learning.

Her story reflects determination, imagination and a steady belief that there is always something new to create.

— A Life Guided by Learning

Born in Georgia and raised in Oklahoma, Kimbley grew up surrounded by family traditions that emphasized hard work and care for others. She fondly remembers gathering at her grandmother’s home, where cooking and spending time together were central parts of life.

“I didn’t really start cooking big time until I had my children,” she said. “Then you start with simple things and go to the complex.”

After graduating from high school in Ardmore, Kimbley entered the workforce eager to gain experience. She spent several years learning different trades before deciding to return to college to earn her teaching degree while raising her children.

“I worked until I learned everything I could, then I’d move on and learn something else,” she said.

Kimbley later spent ten years teaching in public schools and continued teaching in a Christian school after retiring early so she could care for her mother, something she now considers one of the most meaningful decisions she made.

“I wouldn’t take anything for the time I spent with my mom,” she said.

— Creativity That Fills a Home

Kimbley’s home is filled with handmade pieces that reflect decades of artistic expression. She has created porcelain dolls, painted portraits, built decorative displays and crafted seasonal pieces that capture moments and memories.

“I had to have something to do,” she said. “I can’t just sit around.”

Her collection includes painted artwork, handmade lamps, intricate figurines and carefully detailed decorations created from repurposed materials. Some pieces reflect family heritage, including a crocheted heirloom created by her grandmother that required delicate, repetitive stitching.

Kimbley’s late husband also enjoyed working with wood, and together they created furniture and home accents that remain part of her living space today.

— Strength in Difficult Seasons

In 2021, Kimbley experienced a stroke that temporarily left her in a wheelchair. However, she was determined not to let the setback define her future.

“I said, this isn’t going to get it. I’m not going to be somebody that’s in a wheelchair,” she said.

Within seven days of rehabilitation therapy, she was walking again.

“They told me they don’t usually see that,” she said. “I said, well, you don’t know me.”

Her outlook reflects a lifelong belief that challenges can be faced with faith and determination.

“With God, anything is possible,” she said. “You can do anything you want to do.”

— Family, Faith & Perspective Kimbley is the mother of four children and speaks openly about the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve got ten cents or ten million,” she said. “If you don’t treat people right, you’ll pay for it somewhere down the road.”

Her faith has remained a guiding influence throughout her life, helping her navigate hardships including loss and personal challenges.

She believes people should be given grace and opportunities to grow. “Give everybody a second chance,” she said. — Still Active, Still Curious

Kimbley continues to cook, create and explore new ideas. She enjoys preparing homemade salsa and experimenting with recipes, emphasizing the value of personal care in cooking. “There’s no comparison with what you buy or what somebody else cooks that doesn’t season like you do,” she said. She also maintains an interest in gardening, recalling her time at the Okmulgee Community Garden and expressing interest in growing English cucumbers again.

“I still like to make things,” she said. “I can’t just sit still.”

Her curiosity remains strong, and she continues to find satisfaction in learning new skills and staying engaged in everyday life.

“My dad believed education was important,” she said. “And my mom taught me not to be judgmental. That helps you get through life.”

— A Life of Creative Expression

Time spent with Mrs. Kimbley reveals a woman who has consistently chosen to remain engaged with life through creativity and learning. Her story is a reminder that purpose can continue to grow at every stage.

At 92, Mrs. Thelma Louise Kimbley continues to create and explore. Her hands remain busy and her story continues to unfold.