Mrs Morris (seated) being served communion by sister Myrel Moss. - Contributed

Mrs Cicely Melora Morris reached 100 years old on February 5. To mark the important milestone, the centenarian's family members, friends and associates decided that God should be praised for allowing her to live so long.

Mrs Morris was fittingly taken to the church where she has been worshipping since childhood, St Paul's Anglican Church, in Chapelton, Clarendon, a few miles from her home at Pennants in the parish.

Good turnout

It was a packed parish church, and those present, particularly persons who have known the pleasant woman of God, took time out to greet her and to congratulate her for reaching 100 years.

Beautifully clad in her light pink dress and matching accessories, Mrs Morris, who was born to Hilda and Clifford Morrison at Orange River, in Clarendon, on February 5, 1909, listened attentively to every word uttered by church rector, The Very Reverend Elizabeth Roach, and at times sported a broad smile in acknowledgement of the wonderful words said about her.

A blessing

'Sis' as she is affectionately called, was congratulated by Reverend Roach for reaching the milestone. "To live to see a hundred years, it is a blessing," said Roach.

Roach, who described the centenarian as a most beautiful and pleasant woman, said Mrs Morris hardly ever missed a service at the church, and noted that the senior citizen walked to church each week. She added that she (Morris) is a woman who loves God and has worked hard for Him.

As part of the special celebration, holy communion was presided over by The Right Reverend Dr Robert Thompson, Suffragan bishop of the Kingston region. Dr Thompson left the platform to personally serve Mrs Morris bread and wine. Reverend Thompson offered a special prayer for the centenarian, and said when an individual reached that important milestone, it is important that the pastor honour him/her by going to to pronounce God's blessing.

Guests included former custos of Westmoreland and member of Parliament, James 'Jim' Thompson, and his wife, Elethia; Mrs Gloria Kirby, widow of late member of Parliament for North East Manchester, Leonard Kirby; Mr Petro Azan and his wife, Madge; Mrs Charmaine Thompson; wife of Bishop Robert Thompson; principal of Clarendon College, David Wilson, and his wife, Lileth.

Mrs Morris cuts her birthday cake with her son, Rennie Clarke.

From left: Mrs Gloria Kirby; Mrs Madge Azan, and her husband, Petro; with Mrs Cicely Melora Morris (seated).

Soyini Coke (left) holds hands with her grandmother, Cicely Morris, at the brunch held in her honour at Clarendon College recently.