By the grace of God

Centenarian Dorothy Elaine Cumberbatch was the first of ten children, and she is now one of two that are still alive.

Today, as she celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit from Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, family and friends, Cumberbatch declared that it was God’s mercy that brought her to this ripened age. The centenarian who is in good health said she was feeling proud with no pain.

“I can still make a joke, and still laugh, and have fun,” she said during the celebrations, which took place at her Regency Park, Christ Church home, this morning.

The mother of three children, one deceased, said she got married to James in 1945, and he died around 1991. She worked at the popular 5 and 10 department store in The City, in the position as supervisor, before migrating to the United States in 1967, and returned to her land of birth in 1991.

Cumberbatch has five grandchildren, and 13 great-grands.

The old lady who was born in the Belmont Road, St Michael area, was proud to state that she still attends her St David’s Anglican Church.

She said she spends her golden years quietly.

“I love reading any paper that I pick up that has writing on it. I used to have a garden, but I don’t have a garden anymore. I like house work, always washing and dusting,” she said.

When asked to describe what it was like helping to nurture her nine siblings, Cumberbatch said she had to do it, with assistance from another sister. She recalled that she taught them how to be honest, in addition to warning them to keep their eyes off of other people belongings.

“Don’t envy anyone. We used to say grudge in those days. Don’t grudge others for what they have because you don’t know how the parents come by it. So, you be satisfied with what I could provide for you.”

Cumberbatch’s ninth sibling is still alive and lives overseas. (AH)