Centenarian Esmerelda 'Miss Tunn' Jarrett cuts her bithday cake with daughter Agatha Spencer, 63, during her birthday celebration at Fisherman's Inn in Falmouth, Trelawny, recently. - Mark Titus

It was a day of praises to the Creator as relatives and friends travelled from all over the world to Fisherman's Inn in Falmouth, Trelawny, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Esmerelda Jarrett, affectionately called Miss Tunn.

Born on July 23, 1913, the sprightly centenarian listened attentively as well-wishers paid tribute to the impact she has had on their lives, reminiscing on her journey from the remote village of Jack Lodge, located in the district of Duanvale in Trelawny, to become one of the most respected citizens in the parish.

Now an icon of the historic village of Clark's Town, she remains the backbone of her family, and this was evident in the participation of those in attendance as even those who might not have been to church for sometime, knew that in Miss Tunn's presence, worship was a requirement.

"This is a day for worship and praises," declared Orville Smith, a grandson and master of ceremonies for the event, "God has spared her to be 100 years old, and this is indeed a blessing."

Miss Tunn had 11 brothers and sisters, six of whom are still alive. She got her formal education at the 'Big School' operated by the Methodist Church at the time. Her father, James, worked at the Long Pond Estate as a mule wagon driver. Her mother, affectionately known as 'Gong Gong', worked on the estate as a maid but also gave time in the field.

A longstanding member of the St Michael's Anglican Church, Miss Tunn recognises Christ as the foundation of her life and instilled this in her 13 children, seven of whome are deceased.

place of worship

Church was the foundation for her family, and if one service was over too early, they would all have to find another place of worship, and even those who were not her biological children would get the same treatment.

She was forced to raise her children by herself after her partner in life died, so like her parents, the fields of Long Pond Estate became her means of earning a living, and from six pence and tuppence to a shilling per day, Miss Tunn cared for all her kids.

Her children remember her as a disciplinarian, but jovial, who insisted on school attendance.

"She was a disciplinarian. School was a must, and we were always properly dressed," recalled 63-year-old Agatha Spencer. "I can also tell you that we were never hungry, and even when we didn't have enough to eat, no one knew because we were always happy."

The centenarian ensures that her family remains close, and she remains the counsellor and the voice of wisdom. Her impact was evident as even mere supporters were welcome with a warmth hardly found in these times.

The five generations of Miss Tunn includes six children, 38 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, 38 great-great-grandchildren, and a great-great-great-grandchild.

In her heyday, Miss Tunn, an avid cricket fan, would travel for miles to support the sport, however, today, she has settled for reading The Gleaner, especially the weekly Outlook magazine.

"Praise God I have lived to see 100 years," declared the beaming centenarian after listening to the numerous tributes and renditions done in her honour.

"My message is to the young people: live loving with each other live a sober life with God and man that your lives can be blessed," she said, before showing off her capacity to memorise by repeating a lengthy poem, to which everyone shouted in unison, "Dat nuh normal!"