Coal Grove resident Joe Warfield has been a lot of things during his 72 years - mechanic, teacher, minister. Now, he can add Senior of the Year to that list.

At the Lawrence County Multi-Purpose Senior Center at Sybene, Phyllis Strathman was honored Tuesday for her dedication and hard work in the ceramics class.

The third Tuesday in May is Senior Citizen's Day across the state. Each year, the Ironton Senior Center and the Sybene Center name their Senior of the Year.

Warfield was honored in Ironton because he gives freely of his time. He volunteered to do the weekly Bible study on a temporary basis about a year ago and has never stopped.

"I feel there are others that are more deserving," said the minister of 44 years at the Church of Christ in Catlettsburg, Ky. "I just do what I can do and try to spread the gospel of Christ."

Warfield and his wife, Martha, have been regulars at the senior center for a number of years. It was up to Martha to make sure they attended Tuesday but still keep it a surprise.

"I knew all about it," she said. "I had a hard time keeping it from him."

The Warfields both agreed that the senior center has much to offer.

"We really enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship," Joe said. "We make a lot of friends, as well as get some good food."

For site manager Connie Lake, it was a tough decision again this year.

"After I worked here a few years, it has gotten hard to choose," Lake said. "We have a lot of great seniors who are always helping out."

For the 64-year-old Strathman, it was quite a surprise and a nice honor.

"They fooled me, big time," the Huntington, W.Va-native and Rome Township resident said.

Strathman, who retired from the U.S. Department of Defense, has been a regular at the center for more than a decade.

"I enjoy the companionship with all the gals. I love to paint and do the ceramics," she said. "It is good therapy. For me, it is just having fun."

Darlene Green, site manager at Sybene, said Strathman always goes the extra mile to lend a helping hand.

"She has done so much for our center as a volunteer," Green said. "She has volunteered in ceramics since 1998. Going out and getting greenware and going to the different shops takes a lot."