A hundred reasons to be happy - Centenarian welcomes milestone with family

Rasbert Turner, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Elthel Maud Morgan-Williams looked on happily as her children surrounded her on her 100th birthday.

"Lord, I am happy," she said.

The affable centenarian who was born in Panama celebrated her special day on September 30.

"I was born in Panama but came to Jamaica at age four and have been here since. I have seen many storms and floods," Williams said while being flanked by her four children.

"I have always been a housewife but my greatest achievement is to see my children grow up. Look how them big!" she said.

Morgan-Williams was described as a very loving and kind mother who treated her children well.

Four children

She was married in 1943 to Cecil Williams, who died in October 1981. The union produced four children: Delores, Donald, David and Karlene Williams. All but Delores still live with their mother.

"It is quite remarkable that she still does her own laundry, combs my sister's hair and wants to take charge still," Delores said.

The view was echoed by her younger siblings.

"She was hard-working but very loving to us. Right now it feels good to take care of her," said David, the youngest.

The matriarch is also an avid reader of The Gleaner.

"Yes! From I was a child The Gleaner is all I read and I'm still reading it," she said.