‘Miss Birdie’ still chirpy at 100

For her 100th birthday celebration, Muriel 'Miss Birdie' Crosse sang and danced at the Church of the Nazarene in Aberdeen, St Elizabeth. One could tell that she was enjoying every bit of it. In fact, she did not miss a beat as she belted out one of her favourite hymns, Happy In The Lord. Seated at a table, she danced and sang:

Happy, happy, happy

Happy in the Lord

Keeping His Commandments

And Trusting in his word

I want you to know

God's promises are true

And that's why I am happy

Happy in the Lord

Miss Birdie celebrated her 100th birthday on October 30. She was glad to be in church to give thanks to God for allowing her to reach the milestone.

"I danced in church in the spirit. I enjoyed my day very much, and the Member of Parliament Delroy Slowley (St Elizabeth North East) was there with me, along with the councillor. It was a lovely service. Many people were there who I did not know. I am glad I was able to go on Sunday and just give praises to God," she said.

The first of 10 children for her mother, Catherine Sohan, Miss Birdie was born in Thornton, a district also in St Elizabeth. She attended Thornton All-Age School, and later returned to work as an assistant teacher at the institution.

"I was always a church person, so I was active in choir and all of that. When I met my husband, Maxwell, I moved to Aberdeen where I operated a shop for a lot of years. We had six children, but three of them gone home to God and I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren," she said.

Miss Birdie told THE WEEKEND STAR that she feels as strong as someone who is decades younger. She credits her longevity and strength to her independence and diet.

"I feel strong because I walk around same way. I grow my little animals and I wash, cook and clean for myself and I go to church every Sunday that is possible. I am strong because I am always doing something productive. I like to work, so I am always doing something, so when I walk around, I get my little exercise. I just can't sit down," she said.

"I raise my common fowl and I eat two eggs every day. They have to be boiled, but I don't eat the yolk because they said it is not good for diabetics. I am just happy to see 100 and I know that the Lord is sparing my life for some purpose," she added.

She stated that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, she would often take a stroll around her community. However, out of concern for her health, she has opted to spend most of her time at home, leaving only to attend church services. Miss Birdie said that she is not prepared to take any chances with the virus that has infected more than 248 million people across the world and claimed over five million lives. The God-fearing senior citizen said people should trust God to get them through this crisis.

"I think people need to pray much and ask God to comfort them during this time. I am praying that God will comfort all of who lose their loved ones to this disease. I am following what the Government says, so I wear my mask, sanitise and I don't allow any and anyone into my house," she said.