‘Fashionista’ centenarian celebrated

Kathleen Victoria Lloyd, Barbados’ newest centenarian, has been celebrated as a fashionista with a sharp sense of humour and a deep affection for her family.

Lloyd reached her milestone on Friday surrounded by family and friends, and was visited by President Dame Sandra Mason. She was showered with congratulations from her loved ones, all of whom spoke affectionately about her living a wonderful life.

The centenarian’s niece, Taleta Seales, spoke lovingly of an aunt who loved to dress her best and show her funny side.

“Kathleen Victoria Lloyd, sounds like royalty, yes. Well, that’s how she carries herself. She was known to us nieces and nephews and everyone in the district as Aunt Wixie. Auntie in her heyday was a very fussy lady. She loved to dress up; she always used to tell you, ‘Janet [daughter-in-law] can shop for me but Karen [grandchild] can’t shop.’”

Seales said that though her hearing was impaired, she “has no medical conditions” and has “excellent” eyesight.

Lloyd’s only granddaughter, Karen Wall, said she was “spoiled” whenever she had the pleasure of staying with her grandmother. However, that did not prevent her from being punished.

“When I was living here with Granny, she had me pick breadfruit and ackees, and I remember helping her in the kitchen garden and taking care of the dog and, of course, getting licks if I do anything wrong,” Wall said. “We’ve always had a relationship; never said a mean word to each other in all of the years that I have been with her.”

She also spoke about Lloyd’s love of wearing a nice outfit and her forthright nature.

“You would hear everyone say she was vivacious. She liked to dress; any fancy dresses except green – [she] did not like the colour green. She was very outspoken. If she had something to tell you, something on her mind, she would tell you, and if you liked it, good for you, and if you did not like it, good for you also,” Wall said.

She added: “I feel really good that she made it and we can come out and celebrate her. She might not remember all of this, but she has her moments, and I think that she would be pleased to know that everybody here came out to celebrate her. Only thing she might say is, ‘Make sure that they leave the house clean’.”

Lloyd has one son and two grandchildren.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb