George Topper celebrates an early 100th birthday celebration Friday, April 10, at Ariel Point of Sachse, surrounded by family and friends. Pictured with Topper are, from left, his daughter, Jodie Ellzey, granddaughter Stacy Clark and son-in-law John Ellzey. Sonia Duggan/The Sachse News
For nearly a century, George Topper has built a life rooted in faith, family and service — a legacy celebrated recently with an early 100th birthday party at Ariel Point of Sachse.
Topper, who will turn 100 on April 27, was surrounded by fellow residents, family members and staff during the gathering organized by Independent Living Activities Director Tammy Hoye. Among those attending were his daughter and son-in-law, Jodie and John Ellzey, and granddaughter Stacy Clark, who joined in honoring his century-long life
Born in 1926, Topper’s legacy is reflected in a growing family. He is the father of one, grandfather of two, great-grandfather of five and great-great-grandfather of two — a family tree that continues to grow.
“He’s one of the most wonderful people,” Jodie Ellzey said. “Everybody says how wonderful he is, how sweet and how caring. He’s been a fantastic father and grandfather.”
Topper spent decades in ministry, serving as a United Methodist minister at multiple churches for more than 30 years before continuing his work visiting homebound members for nearly three decades after retirement. Even now, he remains active in his faith, leading prayers for fellow residents and driving to church every Sunday, where he teaches a Sunday school class made up mostly of senior citizens.
“He always leads our veteran’s prayer and does our National Day of Prayer at the flagpole,” Hoye added.
That commitment to staying active extends beyond his spiritual life. Hoye said Topper participates in daily exercise classes, walks the community regularly and plays cornhole twice a week.
“He’s one heck of a cornhole player,” she said.
Topper moved to Ariel Point in 2021 after living independently for years following the death of his wife in 2008. The couple had been married 62 years.
“Clara and I had such a great life together,” Topper told attendees during the celebration.
The party itself reflected both his personality and life story. Guests enjoyed small cans of A&W root beer — now his celebratory drink of choice on rare occasions — despite an earlier career delivering Dr Pepper and later working for Coca-Cola, along with candy and cupcakes. A display table featured photos capturing decades of memories.
Hoye also distributed small bottles of mustard seeds as “George’s Gift,” referencing the Bible verse Matthew 17:20, “Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains,” which was printed on his special birthday bulletin.
After guests sang “Happy Birthday,” Topper offered a simple but heartfelt response.
“I’m almost speechless,” he joked.
Reflecting on his life, Topper said it has been shaped by both challenges and blessings.
“I was raised in a pretty good home, and my mother and father took good care of us,” he said. “There have been some rough spots, but it’s been a good life.”
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