Family members and close friends of one of Barbados’ newest centenarians, Elsie Asenath Mellows, joined her on June 6, 2025, at the Golden Sands Hotel, Christ Church, to celebrate her 100th birthday.
President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason was one of Mrs. Mellows specially invited guests.
One of Mrs. Mellow’s sons, Patrick Streeks, who travelled from Switzerland for the special occasion, shared that his mother is a “wonderful and blessed mom” and was “strict, strong and very disciplined”.
He gave thanks that “she could rise and live” to see 100 years. Mr. Streeks also noted that even though his mother had a hearing challenge from an early age, she was “in good health always”.
In a tribute her daughter, Brenda Yard, who is one of her caregivers, said: “From a young age, she experienced problems with her hearing, this caused her to seek a more sheltered job as a domestic…. Her talent was cooking; …she loved to cook; …she took her time to cook.”
Ms. Yard added: “She was a very strict disciplinarian. I had the benefit of all of that because I was the eldest. I had to do whatever she wanted done… Her father brought her up very strictly.”
The centenarian’s eldest son, Stephen Streeks, who is also one of her caregivers, remarked: “It is a joy to actually see somebody at that age. How she moves around…it thrills me….” He continued: “I took her to the doctor early this year and he said she was good overall, eyesight good…a bit of arthritis in the knee….”
Mr. Streeks noted that his mother “has her own will” and is “strong headed”. He said she continues to see herself as the parent and if she says “sit down”, he has to obey.
Mrs. Mellows, who currently resides in Paddock Road, St. Michael, was raised in St. Matthias, Christ Church, and attended the St. Matthias Primary School (now the Arthur Smith Primary School). After leaving school, she did needlework and eventually worked as a housekeeper at some residences, including for the family of Frank B. Armstrong, where she worked until retirement.
She married Emmerson Mellows (deceased) and she had eight children (two deceased). She has eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. While Mrs. Mellows is not selective about what she eats, she loves fish and cou cou.
A member of the Dayrell’s Road Gospel Hall from a child, she enjoyed walking to church, which she did well into her 90s. Mrs. Mellows remains active and still makes her own tea in the morning.
After a moving rendition of “Memories” by Jacqueline Collis, Her Excellency presented Mrs. Mellows with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine, and a personalised card.
Dame Sandra remarked: “I want to say ‘thank you’ for inviting me…. I like to let young Barbadian people know that we didn’t get here ‘just so’ and the things that they take for granted, persons like your mum…worked hard to put us in the position we are in…. So, to ma, grandma, aunt…I want to say ‘thank you’…. May God continue to bless you with many more years ahead.”
