On November 12, Mavis Wood was joined by relatives and friends at her home in Princes Royal Avenue, St. Michael to celebrate her 100th birthday. From early in the morning the house was ablaze with singing and praying as members of the centenarian’s prayer community reminisced about her love for all and sundry.
President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason paid a special visit via Zoom as part of the celebrations.
Reverend Carleen Sobers of the Sealy Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, St. Michael, opened the session with prayers.
Mrs. Ilene Hewitt, a first cousin of the centenarian paid tribute to Mrs. Wood. Mrs. Hewitt recounted that she met the centenarian in the 1960’s after sailing to Barbados by boat and they had become “close ever since”.
She was quick to note that the centenarian’s daughter, Yvonne Wood, and her granddaughter, Kyla Wood had “taken such good care of Mavis these past few years”. She remarked: “Mavis’ love of family, community and love of country remains strong.”
Mavis Wood was born in Waterford, St. Michael, moved to Halls Road and eventually Princess Royal Avenue, all in St. Michael, after losing her home to a flood in the 1950’s. Since moving to Princess Royal Avenue, she helped to raise many children in the avenue including her neighbour’s 12 children.
The centenarian’s daughter, Yvonne Wood, reminiscing about her mother’s life, noted she remains a very loving person who would give of her last to help someone. Ms. Adding that while visiting the doctor, a while back, she had been informed that her mother would “live to see one hundred”, Ms. Wood said the doctor also stressed: “Your mother’s heart is good.”
A cook by profession, the centenarian worked in one household for over 40 years. As a mark of respect, a member of that household visited and brought a gift. He also recalled how supportive the centenarian had been to the family, throughout her tenure.
Welcoming the praise showered on her mother, daughter Yvonne, revealed that the centenarian appreciates all types of food but has a special fondness for pork and cou cou. She added: “She was a good cook… she handed it down and passed it down to me.”
Her Excellency, reflecting on the thoughts shared by relatives and friends commented that the centenarian had reached the milestone due to “obvious care, attention and love”. Dame Sandra stated: “Had it not been for those three aspects she would not have been there.”
On behalf of the President, Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Wiggins presented Mrs. Wood with a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers and a personalised card. A spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday” followed which brought tears to the centenarian’s eyes.
In closing, Her Excellency remarked: “I want all of you to continue to celebrate her life because God has been good to her and God has been good to you to allow all of us to see this day. Happy Birthday Mavis and may God continue to bless you in the years ahead.”
Mrs. Mavis Wood, whose husband is deceased, has one daughter and one granddaughter.
Troy Barker