Highly decorated missionary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of Barbados Muriel Walker celebrated her grand milestone surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers on Tuesday.
The island’s latest centenarian, who has received a plethora of certification and accolades for her extensive work spreading her faith, was toasted as a pillar of her McClean’s Gap, Brittons Cross Road, St Michael community and a symbol of wisdom and love.
Walker’s outgoing and welcoming personality was evident by the way she engaged with President Dame Sandra Mason who visited her for the special occasion. Walker told the country’s first president many stories of her life growing up, showing off her sharp memory and attention to detail.
When asked how she felt about making it to her 100th birthday, a straight-talking Walker said she was a bit concerned about what her life would be like once she was at this significant milestone.
“I was frightened to reach it and not being able to help myself; that was the part of my life I was looking at. [I was worried] that when I get 100 years and I cannot get off the bed and I can’t get here and there in our society. I also like a very clean place. All of those things I was wondering about,” she said, adding that after years of hard work, she was living a carefree life. “I don’t have much to do now.”
Walker’s niece Marcia Moseley, who spent a chunk of her childhood with her aunt, spoke glowingly of her. She said Walker was not the first person in their family to reach such a milestone, pointing out that her great aunt passed away just shy of her 103rd birthday.
She said Walker was originally from St Lucy but moved to St Michael in her teens.
Walker and her late husband Harold Walker, who was a seaman, lived in McClean’s Gap for well over 50 years and raised a son, Hughie Walker, together. They have one granddaughter, Giselle Walker, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in London.
During her heyday, Walker worked as a domestic worker, raised chickens and grew produce to make more income and sustain her family’s needs.
According to her niece, she played an important role in the development of her church and headed various church organisations.
Walker has no ailments and spends most of her time relaxing at home. She has a caretaker and her neighbour June Harry also assists whenever she can.
“It has been a long and difficult journey for her in terms of her life . . . . She has a fighting spirit, she is very positive, she wants good things in life and demands the best . . . . She has high morals and standards and she expects people to come up to her level. She is very conversational and her memory is exceptional,” Moseley said.
