In 2016 News/Talk 790, KFYO is celebrating its 90th Anniversary of broadcasting. KFYO's rich history can be traced back to 1926 with its origins in Texarkana, TX. KFYO then moved to Breckenridge, TX in 1927, moved again to Abilene, TX in 1928, and then finally to Lubbock in 1932.

In the 1930s, '40s and '50s, KFYO's programming consisted of a mixture of local newscasts, agriculture reports, national network programming (mainly from CBS and also some NBC Blue [ABC's precursor]), local musical performances, local religious programs, and local and national sports broadcasts.

Lula Mae Kimbrough was a part of KFYO's early years in Lubbock. From 1934-1938 she sang in a gospel quartet that regularly performed on KFYO. Kimbrough, and her husband, traveled around Texas as evangelists.

March 15, 2016 officially marks Kimbrough's 100th Birthday. In the week prior, Kimbrough's family has been celebrating her life with various events and a large party. On Friday, March 11, Kimbrough's daughter surprised her with a call-in to the radio station that was a part of her life in her teens and 20s.

Lula Mae Kimbrough (left) and her sister in 1928
Tom Collins, KFYO.com
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Lula Mae's favorite car growing up was the Ford Model A. In the picture above, Lula Mae is pictured with her little sister Willie D, petting the family dog, in 1928. According to her daughter, Lula Mae will be taken for a ride in a Ford Model A this weekend, as part of her birthday celebration.

When asked by KFYO's Tom Collins what her secret was to living to age 100, Kimbrough said, "I think it's just by the grace of God. I don't know exactly why he's let me live here so long; leaving me here so long. My children say 'well we need you, pray for us'."

Kimbrough's children, and large extended family, gathered Saturday afternoon at First Church of the Nazarene in Lubbock for the birthday celebration.

Kimbrough said her life has been long journey, "...the good has outweighed the bad," she said.

The final picture in this article is of Lula Mae Kimbrough in either 1933 or 1934.

Lula Mae Kimbrough in 1933 or 1934
Tom Collins, KFYO.com
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