Judith Ada Straughn, former teacher, senator and youth leader, celebrated her 100th birthday in Enterprise, Christ Church, last Wednesday. She was joined by her three sons, their families, close friends, former students and members of the St. Leonard’s Anglican Church.
One of the highlights of her day was an official visit by President of Barbados, His Excellency, The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.
When questioned by President Bostic as to what contributed to her longevity, Mrs. Straughn replied: “Being Christian…[and] my three sons.”
One of her nephews, William “Billy” Gollop, noted that it was by “the Grace of God” that his aunt reached this milestone.
Mr. Gollop continued: “…She shaped our formative years. She was our teacher, our early educator, our protector, our friend and our Sunday School teacher, the last being very important because, as we know, she has a love relationship with her Father, the Lord God Almighty.
“Every night before we went to bed, we had to kneel by the side of our bed and say our prayers…. There were three prayers in particular…I still say every night….”
One of her close friends, Merlese Sealy, who is her former secretary and a past student at the Alexandra Secondary School, commended Mrs. Straughn on her “caring approach” to students and staff.
Mrs. Sealy said: “She displayed a caring approach to us all…. She quickly moved up the ladder from teacher to Deputy Principal and Principal…. She ushered in the school transition of 30 male students in 1984, making us a co-ed school.
“She ensured that all the teachers did everything possible to make those boys feel welcomed. She loved them and they loved her,” she stated.
Vinette Ashby, a friend and member of the St. Leonard’s Anglican Church, described Mrs. Straughn as a “patient and hard-working lady” who is “strong and sees the good in people”.
She noted that the centenarian served in many capacities at Church, including Eucharistic Priest, member of the Parochial Church Council, Sunday School teacher, and a member and consultant of the Mothers’ Union.
She remarked: “Wherever she has gone, she has left an indelible mark, always inspiring and impactful…. We are who we are because of who you are….”
Mrs. Straughn, formerly of Fitts Village, St. James and Gills Road, Bridgetown, attended Vauxhall Primary School (now Shirley Chisholm Primary) and the St. Michael Girls’ School (now The St. Michael School). She also attended Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, the Edgehill College, United Kingdom, and the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies.
She taught at the Alexandra Secondary School and the St. Michael Girls’ School until 1955 when she emigrated to Aruba, where she taught privately.
Upon her return to Barbados in 1959, she taught at the Alexandra School and was eventually appointed Deputy Headmistress in 1978 and Principal in 1981, continuing in that role until her retirement.
In 1991, Mrs. Straughn was appointed as an independent Senator and served until 1994.
She has been commended for her work with the youth of Barbados, most notably as a leader in education, within the Girl Guides Association of Barbados and a youth leader in the Anglican Church.
In 1986, Mrs. Straughn was awarded the Gold Crown of Merit for Meritorious Service to Education and in 2016 she received the Barbados Jubilee Honour for her service to education.
Known for cooking, her favourite foods include pork, yam and rice. One of her more notable dishes was pelau, though she does not like chicken and, therefore, never ate it.
Mrs. Straughn was married to Glenroy Straughn (now deceased), has three children, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Troy Barker
