Talents and Gifts

“Sisters, sisters—There were never such devoted sisters.” You may recognize those lyrics from a song in one of my all-time favorite movies, “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera Ellen. I have seen it at least 100 times. 

Since becoming Ms. Senior America, I have been wanting to find a time to stop at the Rosemary Clooney House in Augusta, KY, to check out the “White Christmas” display. I was thrilled to see the actual dresses worn while Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen wore as they sang “Sisters.”

Sisterhood

When I won the crown last fall, I quickly discovered what a beautiful sisterhood I have fallen into. Over the past 50 years, women, age 60 plus, have showcased their zest for life, shared their wisdom, and given of their time, talents, and treasures to help people, and especially seniors, all over the country through the Ms. Senior America Organization. It was no surprise when I found out that the song “Sisters,” had become one of their staple performances by past national queens at many state and national competitions. It has been amazing to make new friends and “Sisters” and join in on the fun. 

I have especially been touched and inspired by the tenacity and hearts of some of the “elder” sisters I have met this year who are living out what it means to “live your best life 60 plus.” 

Merle Millhimes

On my recent trip to Pennsylvania, I met Merle Coulson Millhimes, Ms. Senior Pennsylvania 1994—who is 94. I was honored to stay in her home. She is an incredible hostess, mesmerized us with her stories, and our visit with her was the perfect reprieve I needed in the middle of a very busy travel week while serving as Ms. Senior America. 

Born in 1929, Merle is brilliant, sharp as a tack, and grew up during the great depression. She worked on the family farm milking cows, feeding pigs, and cleaning the barns—all the while barefooted (which discouraged her from ever owning a pet again).

She was the first woman to be accepted into Gettysburg College. In those days, a woman who wanted to attend college was frowned upon. Neither her father nor husband would help her with tuition. So, Merle went to work! She paid for her degree and subsequent master’s degrees herself. She had a successful career as a music teacher—touching the lives of countless young people. But it was her blood sisters that also brought tremendous joy to her life. 

The Coulson Sisters sang as a church trio and entertained on the radio in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, hosting their own show. An amazing part of their sisters’ legacy is that each of them won and wore the Ms. Senior Pennsylvania crown in the years of 1984, 1987, and 1994. All contributed their talents to help entertain many senior groups and civic events. Her sisters and husband of 60 years have now all passed away. Merle, is a talented musician who still sings in her church choir and attends Bible Study, performs with the PA Cameo Club—that sponsors Ms. Senior Pennsylvania. She never lets a day go to waste. She is planning to stand with me in Atlantic City, NJ, in October, singing in the Queens Choir. She is an inspiration and a gem! 

Berkley Evans

While in Missouri, I had the privilege of dining with 87-year-old Berkley Evans. She grew up taking dance, voice and piano lessons, and had the dream of going to New York and auditioning for a Broadway show. In high school, there was a special young man who went off to serve in the Korean War. As high school was ending, Berkley pleaded with her parents to let her go to the Big Apple and pursue her dream. While they said that a young woman, if she did not want to get married, should only pursue a teaching or secretarial job, they relented and let her go.

Miraculously, after auditioning for a Broadway show, she was cast as a dancer! What was even more amazing is that she was the only American cast in the show full of British actors and actresses who had been hand selected to come to the states to help launch the career of the young and vibrant Miss Julie Andrews! Berkley was pulled aside by the director and producer to ask if she would change her last name to Marsh, so that she would have a “British” last name and she agreed. Berkley performed on Broadway in Julie Andrews’ premiere of “The Boyfriend” for two years.

One day, her high school friend, who had come back from Korea, promptly headed to New York to find Berkley, became her real-life “boyfriend,” and then husband. Berkley left her Broadway dream behind and traded it for her dream of raising a family. For 3 decades, she ran her own dance studio—fueling the hopes of many other little girls. 

Her love story lasted more than 60 years until her husband’s death in 2021. Berkley is still the amazing choreographer for the Ms. Senior Missouri Cameo Club Dance Troupe. 

I loved sitting beside her as she watched the opening number. She beamed proudly as her fantastic dancers (who you would never know were in the age range of 60-90) wowed us with their show stopping opening tap routine! They were amazing!  Berkley is committed to living her best life, not allowing the inevitable things that come with aging to stop her.

Gifts and Talents

So, my question is, do you still have a longing to use gifts and talents that you have put on the shelf while you were busy homemaking, mothering, or building a career? It is never too late! I have learned that age is just a number. Merle and Berkley have exemplified that for me.   

I have 3 blood sisters of my own and many great girlfriends from life. My life is richer for opening my heart to allow my list of friends to grow. 

Back to my love of “White Christmas,” it was surreal to see those “Sisters” costumes. Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen left all of us a powerful message: “All kinds of weather, we stick together, the same in the rain or sun.”

It is my hope that you will continue to find new sisters in this after-60 phase of life—who are women living out their best lives. 

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Debbie was recently crowned Ms. Senior America 2023. She holds a degree in Vocal Performance and has performed across the continental U.S. and abroad. She’s also a talent and interview coach to contestants competing in The Miss America Scholarship Organization. Debbie is married to Scott Robbins. They have one son, Jackson, born when Debbie was 44. He is now a senior in High School.