Nature lover Jeremiah Thomas still independent

At the age of 97, Jeremiah Thomas stands as the oldest person is his Howells Content, Clarendon, community. Thomas, whose descendants span three generations, is described by relatives as a humble, hard-working man who loves his children. Sharing the sentiment, the elder Thomas said, “Them do nuff things fe me. Them carry water come give me and them wash me clothes.”

Though Thomas has lost his sight, his granddaughter Rodeka says he still prefers to do chores on his own, and so has opted to take his baths independently. Such independence could be aligned to the decision to venture into his own farming activities while employed to the Yarmouth Sugar Factory in Clarendon. The family says he is a lover of nature, and as such is the green thumb behind many fruit trees in his community. His daughter Susan adding to Thomas’ love for nature said, “Dada is a humble man, him nuh make trouble.”

Described as a lover of church and gospel music, Thomas said, “Me love all a the church song them, me love the whole a them.” Despite his age, sight and hearing impairments, Thomas’ granddaughter lauded him for his upbeat spirit. “He is very upbeat, always praying and encouraging us. He finishes all his prayers with ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ .”

Thomas, whose sister died at the age of 99, said he did not imagine he would have lived to see the age of 97. When asked what he loved about life, he said, “Life all right man, life good and great!”

Thomas celebrated his 97th birthday in August.