With heartfelt tributes, warm embraces, and joyful memories, Vincent Elecent Jordan was celebrated on July 1, 2025, by family and friends as she marked her 100th birthday – a milestone defined by a legacy of unconditional love, service, and strength.
The centenarian, affectionately known to many as “Mommy”, “Grandma”, and “Aunt”, was surrounded by generations of loved ones, in a celebration attended by President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, who paid tribute to Mrs. Jordan’s profound impact on her family and the community.
“She didn’t work outside of the home, but don’t let that fool you – because housework is never done. In raising all of you, and supporting her husband’s service to the nation, she made a lasting contribution to Barbados,” Dame Sandra noted.
From raising her five children to nurturing nieces, nephews, grandchildren, a great-grand child, and even neighbourhood children and church youth, Mrs. Jordan was praised for her tireless caregiving and deep commitment to family.
Her daughter, Gillian Crawford, said they were blessed to have her in their lives because she provided them with love, care, and nutritious meals. She recalled that her mother was so caring and giving that she came to “cold Connecticut” to help her raise her son, Jordan, when he was a baby.
“You didn’t just raise us,” her daughter said. “You raised a village – you taught us how to raise our own children, how to love, how to give.”
She added: “We are so blessed to have you in our lives and may this day not be the last day of celebration but just one of many.”
Her nephew, 82-year-old Stanton Gittens, reflected on the lifelong support he received. “I don’t know if I could have made it without her. She was critical in every part of my life. She stepped in when times were hard and never left my side,” he said.
Tributes poured in from across the Jordan, Gittens, Moseley, Rogers, and Robert family. Many reflected on Mrs. Jordan’s generosity, quick wit, and unwavering presence as the anchor of their family through good times and hardship.
Mrs. Jordan’s story is also one of strong faith and quiet service. This was evident as a representative from the Roman Catholic Church presented her with a bouquet in honour of her steadfast devotion. She attended the Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church at Black Rock and later the St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church.
“She always welcomed us with warmth and joy,” the church member shared. “Even now, she prays with us and sings with us. It’s a pleasure to serve her.”
Family members also recalled her years spent in Trinidad, supporting her husband’s work in the federal government, and her love for cooking, sewing, music, and dancing.
The centenarian’s son-in-law, Charles, spoke about the magnitude of Mrs. Jordan being able to reach 100 years, noting that she has lived through so many changes – World War II, colonial rule, independence, technology, and global pandemics. “But it’s not what the world gave to her, it’s what she gave to the world, and what she gave was love,” he added.
Her memory, which is still sharp, was a source of amazement to all present. She recalled the smallest details from decades past with clarity and delight.
The gathering reflected on the disappearing tradition of extended family networks, with many agreeing that Mrs. Jordan represents a generation that built Barbados from the inside out – with love, patience, and quiet leadership.
In her closing remarks, Dame Sandra said: “Persons like her are the foundations of Barbados, and we need to revere them…. We need to thank them for all they have given…. I want to thank you all and I want you to continue to revere her and make sure that today is really, really special.”
