O n September 29, 2024, the sunny luncheon room of Daytona Beach’s Stonewood Grill was filled with joy and admiration as the closest friends and family of Bethune-Cookman University alumna and retired secretary, the incomparable Mrs. Senorita Locklear ’42, gathered to celebrate a long-awaited milestone: her 100th birthday. Born on September 29, 1924, in Orlando, Florida, young Mrs. Locklear enjoyed a wonderful childhood shaped by the strength and determination of her parents. Her father, a veteran, worked as a bellhop at the prestigious Angebilt Hotel, while her mother, O’See Flowers Williams, owned and operated a respected kindergarten. Ms. Williams’s unwavering commitment to education instilled in Mrs. Locklear and her sisters, Dorothy and Thelma, a profound love for learning and a dedication to excellence. After graduating from Jones High School, Mrs. Locklear pursued higher education at, what was then, Bethune-Cookman College, which had been under the visionary leadership of its founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, until 1942. Mrs. Locklear enrolled in Bethune-Cookman’s two-year degree program the same year and earned her associate degree in Business Administration in 1944. She soon embarked on a career
that took her to Texas. It was there, in 1954, that Dr. Bethune wrote her a heartfelt letter that would change the course of her life. “My Dear Senorita,” the Founder began, inviting her to return to Bethune-Cookman to serve as one of her secretaries. Though honored by the invitation, Mrs. Locklear felt a deep sense of duty to her current employer and asked for time to finish the academic year. Dr. Bethune, ever impressed by her integrity, agreed to wait. Mrs. Locklear returned to her alma mater and began working with Dr. Bethune. Promoted to her private secretary in April 1955, she worked even more closely with the Founder until her passing on May 18 of the same year—a day that remains vivid in her memory nearly 70 years later. Her stories about “Mrs. Bethune” transport listeners to a bygone era, revealing the indelible impact of their shared commitment to the institution. Yet, in her humility, Mrs. Locklear often dismisses the idea that she is special. Those who know her, however, wholeheartedly disagree. “On behalf of Bethune-Cookman University, it is my privilege to welcome you to this celebration of our dear Senorita while she yet lives,” said Crystal A. deGregory, director of the Bethune Institute
for the Study of Women and Girls, who served as co-organizer along with Dr. Tasha Lucas Youmans, Dean of Library Services. “Anyone who knows her well knows that she has long looked forward to this day. And we count it all joy to have her and you here.” True to her modest nature, Mrs. Locklear requested a celebration with minimal fanfare. Her favorite color, shades of blue, adorned the room, while guests enjoyed sweet treats from her favorite chocolatier. Dressed impeccably, as always, she was the picture of elegance. Loved ones marveled at her polished appearance, noting that they had never known her to be anything less than flawless.
retired Judge and former interim president Hubert Grimes, who offered warm remarks following a heartfelt prayer. Judge Grimes fondly credited Mrs. Locklear with playing matchmaker between him and his wife, Daisy Curry Grimes. The couple, like many of her friends, continue to ensure that Mrs. Locklear enjoys the comforts of home, including regular visits to her beloved Allen Chapel AME Church and favorite indulgences like fried shrimp and pineapple upside-down cake. Following lunch, the room swelled with emotion when, after a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung the Stevie Wonder way, Mrs. Locklear sang to us in return. Her heartfelt appreciation was a testament to her life of integrity, service and resilience. Her poise and grace continue to exemplify her mother’s commitment to excellence and the enduring legacy of Dr. Bethune’s mission. Mrs. Locklear is our reminder that excellence is not an act but a habit. At 100 years, Mrs. Locklear remains an extraordinary example of what it means to inspire excellence, uplift others and carry the torch of her beloved alma mater. May we all aspire to live as fully and graciously as the remarkable Mrs. Senorita Locklear.
While her reputation for meticulousness is well- documented, it pales in
comparison to her well-known and unyielding demand for excellence. Affable when she chooses to be, Mrs. Locklear is as sharp as she is stern. These qualities served her well throughout her distinguished career as secretary to two additional Bethune-Cookman presidents, the renowned Richard V. Moore and Oswald Perry Bronson Sr. Just as they called upon her, generations of alumni recall her as a revered figure whose watchful eye ensured that nothing “got by” her.
Among those paying tribute was
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