Pauline Reid going strong at 105
PAULINE REID of Content in St James is a wellknown figure in her community. She has been a role model for her family and friends, even at the age of 105 years.
In fact, she received two birthday celebrations at home last month, one on her actual birthday of December 8, and another held two days later, with relatives and close friends coming by to celebrate with her on both occasions.
While her hearing is impaired and she needs help to move around, the elderly Reid, who is affectionately called Sister Reid in the community, expressed gratitude for living so long.
“I am quite all right, and I have to give God thanks,” the centenarian said of her milestone.
“I feel quite happy that I’m alive and not in any trouble with sickness. I am very glad most of my family are here with me, and I’m quite glad to have them here.”
Reid was born in Dumfries, St James, on December 8, 1912, the oldest of five children to parents Gersham and Clementine Spence. She later married Lester Reid (now deceased), and their union produced five sons and three daughters.
AVID CHURCHGOER
Reid, a dressmaker by profession, originally served the Anglican Church as a choir member. She later switched to the Seventh-day Adventist faith, where she served as head deaconess at the church in Chatham.
Today, Reid has 24 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren and is hailed as a mother figure to others in the community.
“I feel great and excited that she has reached 105 years old,” said great-granddaughter Crystal Thorpe. “When I was growing up, she took good care of me. She is my second mother. She is everything to me, and I love her.”