An 80th birthday celebration for twins Velma Dulin and Thelma Carpenter was held Saturday at the Anderson Center on the campus of Winston-Salem State University.
Robert and Patricia Norris with Darryl Carpenter.
The celebration was hosted by Velma Dulin’s daughter, Patricia “Pat” Norris and her husband, Robert Norris. Pat Norris, a former chief of the Winston-Salem Police Department, is the head of the police force at WSSU. Darryl Carpenter, Thelma Carpenter’s son, and other family members and friends of the women were on hand.
The women have been inseparable all their lives.
“I have always felt like the overseer of Velma since our mother died. She has been deaf and mute since birth, so I have always felt responsible for her,” said Carpenter.
“But don’t get me wrong,” Carpenter added as Dulin laughed, “Velma is very bossy and impatient. She wants what she wants and she wants it right then.”
Speaking for herself as well as her sister, Carpenter thanked, “The Lord for sparing our lives for all things are in His hands.”
The women also extended a thank-you to their families, friends and co-workers.
“This is a blessing. We have a lot to be thankful for,” said Carpenter.
