Described as “a very loving, spiritual lady”, Barbados’ newest centenarian, Herodia Daphne Corbin, celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at her home in Hoyte’s Terrace, St. James, surrounded by family members.
As part of her milestone celebration, President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, paid a special visit to the centenarian.
In a tribute to Ms. Corbin, one of her granddaughters, Deneice Todd, shared: “Our grandmother is a very loving, spiritual lady, she’s always been a Christian woman, always talked to us about God. When we were growing up, she always sang spiritual songs every day…. She is a wonderful individual and we love her so much.”
Her son, Lennox Corbin, who cares for her, described his mother as a disciplinarian. He recalled that she was firm in ensuring her children stayed out of trouble. She maintained that her children must “never get into trouble” as she was not going to bail them out or attend any court hearings. Her message, he said, was clear – “keep out of trouble”.
Caregiver Kimley Grant shared a touching memory of her first day on the job: “I was feeling down, I just wanted somebody to talk to, and she said to me, without me saying anything to her … ‘ya know God’s timing is the best…. Wait on the Lord; He will give you all that you are asking for’…. She was just right on time with the message for me.”
Ms. Grant added that she looks forward to being at work each day, noting: “It is a pleasure working with her,” and she regards Ms. Corbin as “her own grandmom”.
Ms. Corbin shared that one of her favourite pastimes as a child was playing cricket, often joining in games with the boys after school. Each morning, she continues to give thanks to God with a simple prayer of gratitude: “Lord, I thank you that I live to see this day.”
She added that she had always hoped to live to see her 100th birthday and proudly remarked: “So said, done.”
A devoted member of The People’s Cathedral, Ms. Corbin shared that she places her complete trust in the Almighty God, even when wronged by others. Though her vision sometimes troubles her, she continues to pray faithfully, asking God to “strengthen” her and give her “a little more courage” to face the days ahead.
Raised in Indian Ground, St. Peter, Ms. Corbin later lived at Hindsbury Road, St. Michael. A hardworking and industrious woman, she held several jobs, including agricultural labourer – removing grass from fields and clearing cow itch from sugar canes – and domestic worker, which she described as one of her main occupations.
In her leisure time, Ms. Corbin enjoys watching television, particularly gospel programmes and the CBC Evening News. She loves cou cou and prefers healthy foods, though she firmly avoids meat from any member of the avian family, such as chicken, turkey, or duck, saying she will not eat anything “that once had feathers on it”.
She attributes her longevity to her faith, saying that people should “live to please God”, as “He will bring you through”. She added that while she worked hard throughout her life, she also made time to relax by playing sports, watching the sunset, or simply resting.
Her advice to the younger generation is to seek God’s guidance, love your neighbour, and find honest work, while being mindful of those around them. “Be careful of who you walk with and who you talk with,” she advised, “as those individuals can turn on you.”
President Mason thanked the family for allowing her to be part of the celebration, stating: “Quite frequently, we don’t understand what they would have gone through because we live in better times…. We just take it for granted…and it was all because persons like your grandmother…[who] kept us on the straight and narrow.”
Dame Sandra wished Ms. Corbin “all the best in whatever God sees for you in the future…today is your day”. Ms. Corbin had three children (two deceased), four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
