BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Doris Gayle - george henry

spaldings, clarendon

Mrs. Doris Gayle celebrated her 100th birthday on September 8. The milestone was marked with the staging of a birthday party in her honour. And, it was well attended by family members, friends and associates from Jamaica and overseas, especially persons from her community at Red Lands in Clarendon. The celebration took place on September 9, and it was not short of fun.

Mrs. Gayle, affectionately called 'Aunt Doris' was all smiles throughout the celebration, as individuals hugged and kissed her on occasions, while wishing her all the best and congratulated her for living for so many years.

She was born on September 8, 1907 at Red Lands where she spent all her years looking after her husband Richard Gayle, her 10 children, grand and great grandchildren, other relatives and numerous friends and associates.

Businessman Osbourne Stern who was at Mrs. Gayle's birthday party and has known her from as far back as 1954, described the centenarian as a warm, soft spoken and hardworking woman. Mr. Stern said she was well known for assisting almost everybody she met, but was particularly known for giving assistance to community members during their time of bereavement.

Helpful

"She always helped persons who had death in their family. She was well known for her cooking skills when persons had death, and when there was cooking for funerals, she was always there to give a helping hand", said Stern, who is the father of Michael Stern, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry.

She was married to Richard Gayle, a farmer, in 1943. However unfortunately he was not around to partake in her celebration, because he passed away in 1962, just 19 years after they tied the knot. She was left with her 10 children to take care of, but sadly two predeceased her.

Mrs. Gayle told those who attended her birthday party that while she and her husband were together, she was the one who took the fruits of his labour from the farm to the Chapelton Market on Saturdays, where she would have them sold.

When Richard Gayle died, Doris and her children managed to survive from products she would sell at the market, and which were still being produced by her. The crops included cocoa, coffee, banana among other things.

The Christian woman she has been since she gave her life to the Lord in 1939, saw the centenarian not only worshipping God, but living up to His expectations, while ensuring that all her children were brought up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. She taught her children how to live mannerly, how to respect self and respect others.

She believes that the examples she set for all her children have helped her 26 grand and 40 great grandchildren to be brought up in the right way, and as a foundation member of the Church of God of Prophecy in her community; she wants all parents to ensure that all their children attend church along with them (parents), so that they can learn the way of the Lord from early. Mrs. Gayle is still a member of her church and she still attends services despite her age.

Strong belief in God

She attributes her long life to her strong belief in God. She told THE STAR that she loves the Lord and cannot stop worshipping Him until He decides to take her home in glory. Though not very strong these days, Doris still eats well, and she still enjoys a good cup of home brewed coffee.

Her advice to young people is that they should take on Jesus in their lives. She pointed out that though life is full of struggles, when Christ is in the vessel, persons will be able to survive.

Doris Gayle stands beside the grave of her late husband, Richard Gayle who passed away in 1962. - george henry