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CLEMMONS — Lois Steelman turned 90 on April 19 and still works five days a week in environmental services at Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center.

She could have retired long ago but said her love of the job and the people she gets to interact with every day keep her coming back — she likes being part of the team. On April 17, most everybody who works at CMC dropped by to celebrate with her at a special surprise birthday party organized by her supervisor Janie Suppa of Crothall Healthcare, the company that Novant Health contracts with for environmental services. She has worked in environmental services for more than 30 years and was at FMC for most of that time.

Steelman’s daughter, Teresa Phibbs, RN, BSN, at Novant Health Medical Park Hospital, and her husband, Danny, and son Samuel, were also in on the surprise.

“I know that Mom is able to continue working thanks to the Lord and the kind people at CMC. It gives her purpose and a reason to keep on going,” Phibbs said.

A conference room was decorated with flowers, balloons and decorations, and Steelman was adorned with a birthday sash and tiara.

She said she was “quite surprised” by the outpouring of attention. When asked how she felt to be 90, she said, “I don’t feel any different than when I was 30 or 40.”

Suppa said everyone at CMC knows, loves and appreciates Steelman and the surprise party was an opportunity to show her how much.

“She’s the best employee and people are often surprised to find out her age,” she added.