Adina hits 100 ... Trelawny native thankful for long life

Showing off her ability to read without eyewear then belting out a verse of 'The Lord's My Shepherd', 100-year-old Adina Phillips demonstrates that she still has her wits about her.

Born on April 26, 1918, in Daniel Town, Trelawny, Phillips is simply giving thanks for life.

She marked her 100th birthday in the company of friends, well-wishers, and the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Falmouth, where she has been a member for more than 50 years.

"It was on my return from Birmingham, England, that I baptised in the Adventist Church, and I have been there ever since over 50 years now," she told WESTERN STAR on Thursday.

REGULAR WORSHIP TIME

She credits her pastors Obrian Hawthorne and Wayne Woolery for their dedication to making regular visits to have worship time with her and to serve her communion.

She is far less active than in her earlier years but is thankful to her son, Joshua Rhoden, for his commitment in caring for her.

The centenarian is the mother of four and worked on the Long Pond Estate as a domestic helper to care for them.

"My pay was not a lot, but I could take care of my children with it," she said reflectively.

Yet even has she celebrates, her heart pains with a longing desire to see her daughter, Pauline Rhoden, who she last saw 14 years ago.

"I am ready to go whenever the Lord says it's time, but I would love to see her before I die," she said. "It is my greatest desire."