Surrounded by family, friends and members of her community, Velveteen Jones had a spirited 100th celebration in Eastlyn, St. George, on Thursday.
President of Barbados, His Excellency, The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, paid an official visit to Mrs. Jones, further elevating the celebratory mood.
President Bostic noted that Mrs. Jones would have been a teenager during the 1937 uprising in Barbados and at the start of the Second World War (1939-1945); among the first females to have the right to vote (1950) and would have experienced Barbados’ transition to an independent nation in 1966.
When asked by President Bostic how she made it to reach her 100th, Mrs. Jones replied: “Jesus…the Almighty God is who keeping me, and who helping me, and who guiding me and who directing me…I’m happy….”
She noted that she “grew up in Barbados very good” even though things were difficult and her mother worked hard to provide for family. Through it all, she stated, the family “lived honest and true to God”.
The centenarian recounted that she worked in the field at Lowthers Plantation, Christ Church and while it wasn’t “a big lot of money” (approximately $300/month) she “would carry it to the shop and buy groceries” for her children.
“…The Almighty God…He’s a wonderful Father to me…in all kind of ways, I asked [and] He helped me…I love my Father…”, she said.
Lionel Farrell, one of her nephews, quipped that at 87 years old he requires a cane but his aunt, who is 100, is free from the use of a cane.
Referencing Romans 8 verse 31 of The Holy Bible, he remarked: “When God is for you, no one can be against you; that is what Velveteen’s life is all about, God is for her and no one can be against her. Congratulations to her…,” he said.
Her oldest granddaughter, Sandra Jordan, remarked: “She grew up into a woman defined by strength, faith and unwavering resilience…”
“Her life has been anchored by her deep devotion to God. A committed Christian with strong spiritual beliefs and values, Velveteen’s faith has guided her though every season of life…a pillar who has held generations together with her faith discipline and unconditional love.”
She noted that her grandmother is the 17th recorded centenarian from the combined Christ Church communities of Fairview, Lead Vale, Lowthers Hill, St. Patricks and Waldron’s Village.
Mrs. Jones was raised in Walrond Village, Christ Church and attended the St. Patrick’s Girls; Primary School, now Gordon Walters Primary School.
After school, she trained to be a seamstress, a competitive field at that time. She switched careers and took on a role as an agricultural worker at Lowthers Plantation in Christ Church.
Later in life, she worked as a housekeeper at Maresol Beach Apartments, and as a general worker at Seawell Airport, now Grantley Adams International Airport, both in Christ Church.
She married Whitfield Jones (now deceased) and the marriage produced 13 children (seven deceased). They lived in Lowther’s Hill, Christ Church, where she still resides.
She listed one of her hobbies as craft making, rag mats being her specialty. Her favourite foods include eddoes, sweet potatoes and yam and though she will eat fish and chicken, she will not eat rice.
A member of the New Testament Church of God Lead Vale in Christ Church, she shared her appreciation for the care she received through the years from members of the church.
After singing a few lines from the hymn “Are You Ready For The Judgement Day”, Mrs. Jones offered some advice to today’s youth. “Live to Jesus Christ who died for you and when you are in troubles and trials, put it to Jesus and He will bring you out,” she declared.
In addition to 13 children (seven deceased), she has 19 grandchildren, at least 30 great-grandchildren and six great great-grandchildren.
Troy Barker
