'Community mother' Glendora celebrates 100

Glendora Ruth Phillips, the newest centenarian in Barbados, has been praised for being a kind, diligent, and disciplined woman, whose faith in God has given her the strength to reach this significant milestone.

Friends, family, and the President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, gathered on Saturday for a special event at Philips’ graveyard in St. Lucy to honour her life and contributions.

According to one of Philips’ granddaughters, Fiona Jiles, Philips has been a source of inspiration for everyone.

“She was my primary caregiver and caretaker; she instilled strong morals within me and all of her other grandkids who came in contact with her. She made sure that I went to church and had the love of God within me at an early age in which I still have grounded within me.

“I remember granny waking up early every morning to leave home by five o clock to walk to Boscobelle to reach the six o clock bus to get to Portland St Peter to start her work on the plantation. There she cut cane and did other plantation work. Granny was a hard and dedicated worker,” she explained.

Jiles went on to say that her grandmother, though witty by nature with her friends and family, was the one who gave her and the rest of the family proper guidance on how to treat one another and have a close relationship with God, which is still very evident today.

“Granny is indeed a very strong lady; she has a strong belief in God and would testify to everyone she met about him. She loves to read her bible and up to this day she still does.”

She added: “There are so many glorious accolades I could say about granny, but it would take all day and time would not permit me. I would just finalise and say granny, have a happy birthday, and may God continue to bless you with many more years to come. I love you.”

Meanwhile, MP for the parish, Peter Philips, who knew Glendora from his younger years as she was often seen as a “community mothers” who would assist in keeping young children in check from in the area, also wished her great blessings on her big day.

“I am certainly thrilled to be able to celebrate with her. I want to say today Mama Philips, a blessed and happy 100th birthday to you, and I pray that God will continue to strengthen you.”

Glendora Ruth Phillips has six children, 21 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren. ]]>