Barbados’ newest centenarian Etheline Graham (yellow dress) flanked by children, grandchildren and great grands during the celebrations at Dreamaway Villa yesterday. (GP)
This island’s latest centenarian Etheline Louise Graham was the “lady of the hour” as relatives and friends gathered to celebrate the special milestone yesterday.
Governor General Dame Sandra Husbands, who joined via Skype, headed the list of well-wishers as the “youthful looking” centenarian engaged her in conversation during the celebrations held at Dreamaway Villa, Castle Close, St. Philip.
Mrs. Graham said she was grateful to God for her long life and was feeling “really good”. Her daughter June Graham said her mother was born in Claybury, St. John, and educated at Mount Tabor Girls’ School.
Like most young women in her time, she worked as a seamstress and sewed “eye-catching” fashions of that time, for family members and her clients across the island.
June said her mother met and later wed her father, John Graham, deceased, an Industrial Arts teacher at the Lodge School. They had six children, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
As a devout worshipper at Mount Tabor Moravian Church, Mrs. Graham sang in the choir; played the piano; and was active in the Women’s Fellowship. June said her mom loved music and taught her children how to play the piano. She also taught her children how to ride the bicycle.
She described her mother as a strict disciplinarian who was very outgoing and loved picnicking. “Mummy is the sort of person that when she is out, she does not bother about the house or about what time she returns home. When she is out, she’s out,” June quipped.
Mrs. Graham spends her days reading the newspaper, and enjoys rice, cou cou and a slice of cake.
