OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Oak Hill Mayor Charles Briscoe recently presented a proclamation to Athena Maria Kamits Louisos as she reached her 100th birthday this month.
Born on August 9, 1923, to Tom and Brentha Kamits, Athena’s journey reflects a century of change, resilience, and love.
Growing up in a coal miner’s family in a Raleigh County coal town, Athena experienced a world untouched by mechanization and economic shifts. The Great Depression’s onset in 1929 tested Appalachians, but Athena and her siblings learned the art of finding joy in simplicity amid a materialistic society.
A chance encounter in Baltimore, Maryland, introduced Athena to Paul Louisos, whom she married in 1942. Amid the turmoil of World War II, Paul joined the United States Army, and upon their return, the couple opened a restaurant, marking the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.
Homesickness and a longing for Appalachian tranquility led Athena and Paul back to Fayette County in 1954. Their carryout restaurant became a beloved spot for thousands of customers, including fond memories shared by local senior citizens who frequented the eatery during their high school years.
The couple raised four children, Tom, Steve, Howard, and Annastasia, celebrating nearly five decades of marriage before Paul’s passing in 1989.
Athena’s life is a tapestry woven with extraordinary experiences. From enduring the hardships of the Depression era to witnessing historic events like the invention of the atomic bomb, moon landings, sociopolitical shifts, and technological advancements, she embodies a living history.
In honor of Athena’s centenary, Mayor Charles H. Briscoe designates a special day: Athena Maria Kamits Louisos Day, with the proclamation being signed on August 12, 2023.
