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A part of Velma Stephens' 100th birthday celebration last Friday included dancing with her children and grandchildren, something she described as a 'joy' for her.

She said that she feels extremely blessed to be a centenarian.

"Just imagine being born in 1919? I am like sitting on top of my grave you know. Today (Friday) I will just be enjoying myself and eat some of the food that they prepare for me. I don't care what type of food it is because no food is poor because everything that God make is of value," she said exposing her perfectly manicured nails.

Sitting on her verandah at her home in Rivoli, Spanish Town, Stephens cried tears of joy as she greeted one of her grandchildren who recently did heart surgery, while her other family members looked on teary-eyed.

Stephens has outlived seven of her 12 children, and she quickly states that she does not wish to bury another.

She also has multiple grand and great-grandchildren, several of whom were there to celebrate with their matriarch.

Among her surviving children is veteran musician Grub Cooper of FaB 5. Her eldest daughter, Jean Cooper, was all smiles as she explained how passionate her mother is towards her family and strangers.

"My mother gave us all the love and attention that she could. Honesty and love are everything to my mother. She can easily love strangers like her own family. I mean you will never know the difference. My mother gives selflessly and trust me, you will never know who she helps out. She never let the left hand knows what the right hand knows," Cooper said.

Stephens spent her earlier years with her mother in Content district in St Catherine, before moving around to work as a domestic helper.

"I remember working with one family in Kingston for about 12 years then I went back home and met my big daughter's father and got married. When my husband passed away, I remarried, and that's how I got the name Stephens because I was Cooper before," she said.

Pleasant memories

Even at 100, Stephens said she still knows her way around the kitchen and is in love with the culinary arts.

"I bake patty, cake, toto, pudding and every other thing. Even now I will still do it if they allow me. If my stove was working, I would bake my cake. I love my stew peas and jerk pork. I love to cook and I ensure that all my kids learned as well," she said.

She also shares a host of pleasant memories that she has of the community that she has called home for the past 50 years.

"Rivoli was really nice when I came here and we could all sleep with our doors open. When I went to England and come back, I settled here until now. I never ever had a fuss with a neigbour. I never quarrel or fight with anyone. All I love is people and my God. I love truth and honesty. I love God with all my heart and until the day I die, I will love my God. Imagine being in this world for a 100 year with no charges. I couldn't pay God that bill," she said.

Stephens encourages everyone to live a life that is pleasing to the Almighty.

"I will continue to pray for all of my children and all of the people of the world because we are all God's children. I am just imploring everyone to live with a clean heart. Remember God is always by your side and you should always do good," she said.