Bucking Rivets of Excellence

By Paulette Layfield
One day, while searching for something in my mom’s garage, I came across a striking toolbox. It was made of sheet metal, but what truly set it apart were the smooth rivets lining every edge. Today, we might say it was “blinged out” or “bedazzled” with studs, otherwise known as rivets. I asked, “Where did this come from?” “Oh, I made that,” she said. “You made it? How?” Her answer marked the day I learned my mom was a Rosie the Riveter.

Sibyl Eaves Layfield was born on a farm in Madison County, Texas, where she grew up doing more than her share of what was often called “man’s work.” After her father accepted a job with an oil company, the family moved to Houston. Not long afterward, World War II began, and Sibyl once again found herself doing “man’s work,” this time for the Army air Forces at Ellington Field. She completed 176 hours of training at the National Defense Training School.

Once on the job, Sibyl’s primary responsibility was repairing damaged aircraft. She began by training under a foreman and later advanced into the role herself. After completing additional supervisory training, she earned a promotion along with an increase in pay.

Whenever Sibyl wasn’t bucking rivets, she was singing with her sister and cousin. The trio, known as The Blondettes, performed on a local radio station in Huntsville, Texas. Their repertoire featured a number of patriotic songs, always a favorite with audiences. Later, The Blondettes became part of the Ellington Field Musical Support Group and traveled with the group to military hospitals, where they performed for servicemen.

One of the perks of working at Ellington Field was meeting the pilots who flew planes in and out. Sibyl always had a “thing” for airmen and ultimately married one – Our dad, a U.S. Air Force veteran. She loved her work and took enormous pride in it, a pride and work ethic she passed on to her family. To this day, my sister and I would never consider a job complete unless it is done to the very best of our ability. Our goal has always been to live up to Sibyl’s standard of Excellence.

Sibyl died on December 5, 2011, at the age of 92. She loved God, loved her country, and lived a life of service to others. Her stories of Ellington Field and The Blondettes were always told with immense pride but at the same time, she was humbled and honored to have participated in this important aspect of service to her country. And her stories always ended the same: She would hold up her hands, showing us her crooked, arthritic fingers and proudly say, “I got these from bucking all those rivets.”

Community

Articles and stories of interest for residents and visitors to Bolivar Peninsula.

See Full Bio