THOMASVILLE — Alice Sackett never thought she’d live to see her 100th birthday.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes but, no, I didn’t think I’d reach 100,” she said. “I’m surprised I’ve made it this far! I never thought I’d see people walking in space, or the phones they have today, or so many improvements to television. They have been great!”

The local resident will reach her centennial Tuesday and has plans to celebrate with friends and family at a restaurant on Thursday.

Sackett was born March 23, 1910, in New York City, N.Y., and lived in New York state until 1950, when she moved to Florida. She spent several years in St. Petersburg before moving to Thomasville in 1986 after the death of her husband, Ross A. Sackett.

Her job experience over the years included insurance and her family’s small sailboat business, where she was “chief, cook and bottle washer.”

Basically, she did some of everything — except sail.

“I didn’t sail because I couldn’t swim,” Sackett said. “My husband couldn’t swim either but he sailed. I made sure the kids could swim.”

Her children are Ross Andrew and Richard Carl. Ross lives in Thomasville and works in antiques and repairs; Richard lives in Dahlonega and is in printing. She has five grandchildren.

Sackett, described by friends as “very sharp” and “feisty,” still lives alone. She takes care of her dog and cat, cooks her own breakfast and lunch, and then has dinner with her son.

She is “sight-impaired” and is unable to read books or do puzzles; instead, Sackett gets literature she wants to read on audiobook and listens to them.

“I enjoy listening to books and taking care of my plants and animals,” she said. “They keep me company.”

The active senior also rides the local transit bus and attends a weekly card game at Morningside United Methodist Church.

“Alice is unique,” Pat Johnson, friend and fellow card player, said. “She’s friendly, intelligent, and still rides the bus by herself to come play cards with us every week. She’s just an amazing lady. I think we have a lot to live up to, thanks to her.”