‘Auntie Georgie’ celebrates her century

On Sunday, October 28, Georgina Dixon celebrated her 100th birthday, and according to her children, this milestone is as a result of her trust in God and her healthy eating habits.

Her daughter, Paulette McKenzie, told CENTRAL STAR that there was one frequent meal that kept popping up on her mother's table, and that was turn cornmeal and steamed fish - be it doctor fish or wrenchman.

When it came to work, 'Auntie Georgie', as she is fondly called in the community of Portland Cottage where she was born and still lives, was not afraid to tackle the field. She would cut canes and also engaged in the farming of pumpkin, corn, beans and cassava - all with the goal of ensuring that all six of her children had food on the table.

McKenzie, more popularly known as Millie, said her mother has always been a hard worker. She added that she was also very strict with them and did not encourage them to keep a lot of friends. 'Friend a dog name' is a phrase she often told her children and grandchildren.

"Mama has a strong faith in God, and it was this faith that would see her praying for friends and relatives when they were sick so they could be healed," McKenzie said, adding that it was also the background for the moral lessons that were imparted to them.

"She would say things like 'a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.'"

If the family can credit one sure thing for their mother's longevity, it would be her love for God and for people.