‘Pearly’ celebrates her 100th birthday with family

by Anesta Henry

For many years Barbados’ newest centenarian Eileen Clarke has been known as the prayer warrior in her Branchbury, Ginger Works, St Joseph community.

According to relatives, Clarke was never too busy to take time to say an uplifting prayer for those in her neighbourhood who needed it.

In fact, as Clarke celebrated her 100th birthday at the Raddison Aquatica where she also participated in a conversation with President Dame Sandra Mason, she told Barbados TODAY that she has pledged to never stop praying.

“I used to preach the word of God and I ain’t want to turn from him now because I ain’t going to church you know. There is a God above and he don’t forget nothing. You can’t let him down.

“You must serve God until the end regardless of what happens. I can’t see so good to read now but I accustomed to reading God’s word,” she declared.

Clarke, affectionately known as Pearly, gave birth to eight children but four have died. Her husband Kenneth Clarke, whom she married in 1952, died in the 1990s.

She has 34 grandchildren, 33 great grands, 13 great great grands, and one great great great grand.

Clarke sought employment as a domestic worker in her earlier years, and then she moved on to work at the Cassa Grant Plantation, where she worked as a labourer until retirement.

Clarke’s granddaughter Jenis Edwards who described her grandmother as a woman of wisdom, smiles and laughter, reiterated that the centenarian’s love for Jesus is undeniable.

“She was known as the village prayer warrior and evangelist and most people knew her as Pearly Clarke.

“In the beginning of her evangelism, I understand that people in the village thought she was being loud but then eventually she was the person they called on when they needed prayer,” Edwards said.

Edwards explained that due to eye health complications that worsened when Clarke was 97, the elderly woman was forced to give up some of her independence, including going to do her own grocery shopping.

Nevertheless, Clarke who lives with a son at Ginger Works, still manages her own bath, with limited assistance.

Edwards said Clarke is very particular about her attire, and insist that she must always be well dressed in matching outfits.

“You made each one of us feel special, when you affectionately called us by our names, and behind it came a smile, and followed with laughter.

“You have always found time to pray for us and with us, giving each one of us a word from the Lord. It still amazes us, that today at your age, you still remember our names.

“When misbehaviour was in the camp, you dealt with it in such class. You brought the word, prayer and the holy oil to the table.

“We didn’t stand a chance against you and your God. Nothing was hidden from you and we never tried,” Edwards said as she shared precious memories of her grandmother.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb