Faith, family, gratitude at heart of centenarian’s milestone

In a quiet corner of St Lucy, surrounded by generations of her family, Edna May Rock marked her 100th birthday with the grace and conviction that have carried her through a century — a celebration woven from faith, humility and enduring love.

Declaring, “To God be the glory,” the newest centenarian, Edna May Rock, celebrated with community members and President Jeffrey Bostic at her St Lucy home.

Reflecting on her long life, Rock kept her message simple and rooted in faith. “To God be the glory, great things He has done,” she said, crediting her strength and journey to divine guidance.

President Bostic, who joined the celebrations, praised her milestone as extraordinary. “Reaching the remarkable age of 100 years makes you a national treasure… I, as the president, salute you,” he said, presenting her with a card and gifts on behalf of the people of Barbados. He added warmly, “You have another son now, president of Barbados.”

The atmosphere was filled with pride and emotion as tributes poured in from her children and grandchildren, painting a portrait of a woman whose life has been defined by discipline, faith and love.

Dr Letnie Rock, one of Edna May Rock’s daughters, described her as “a loving, humble, gracious, compassionate, honest and truthful” mother, recalling her advice that “a liar must have a good memory, so it is always best to speak the truth.” She added, “What we have experienced of your 100 years is a blessing to us.”

Her son, Listiel “Andy” Rock, echoed that sentiment: “Who I am and what we are today is because of my mother,” while praising her “unselfishness” and lifelong impact on everyone she encountered. “There is nothing… that I would not do for my mother,” he said, calling the moment “a once in a lifetime occasion”.

From the perspective of the younger generation, her granddaughter, Melannie Rock, highlighted the depth of her influence: “100 years is not just a number… it is a testament to a life well lived and a life full of love, faith, and giving.” She added that Rock’s home and heart were always open: “When food was cooked, everyone was called to eat… whether you lived here or not.”

The centenarian, a lifelong member of the Cave Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, was also recognised for her deep spiritual commitment and service to children through the church. Even in conversation with the President, she remained grounded in humility: “Whatever it is… to God be the glory.”

Family members noted her remarkable health, sharing that at 100 she has no major non-communicable diseases, describing her life as “a testimony to the goodness of God.”

The celebration brought together relatives from overseas, friends and officials, including MP for St Lucy Peter Phillips – her nephew – and Pastor Anthony Sobers, reflecting the wide circle of lives she has touched.

Rock, who has six living children, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, remains cherished as the matriarch of a large and devoted family. Two of her children, Martin Rock and Maria Rock, predeceased her.

The celebrations will continue this Saturday with a special service at the Cave Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Lucy, where additional tributes are expected from church and national representatives, including Pastor Anthony Hall and Democratic Labour Party member Ian Griffith.

As the day unfolded, one message rang clear above all: a century of life, service and love, summed up in her own words — “to God be the glory.”