Salute for Miss Elsie - Kind-hearted Portland resident reaches century mark

One of the newest members of the centenarian club, Elsie Evadney Samuels, is being hailed for her generosity towards members of her Port Antonio community in Portland.

Samuels, who reached the century milestone on January 6, was recently celebrated at a birthday party, which was attended by a small group of family and friends.

"It was a special moment for her and I believe that she really enjoyed it. She is one of the most loving, caring, and kind human beings that I have come to know," said Perlita Thomas, a long-time friend of Samuels.

Known throughout East Palm Avenue and surrounding areas of Port Antonio as Miss Elsie, Samuels attended Cross Road and Fort George elementary schools before graduating into the university of life.

The centenarian recounted that during her time attending school, it was customary for children to return home at noon to eat lunch. She said that children who travelled from far distances would eat their meals at the school's canteen.

"Dem days was good and because I lived near to school, I could easily walk home for lunch," Miss Elsie, who also has a hearing impediment, told THE STAR.

"We used to get yam, rice, boiled banana, dumpling, and chicken. Just about anything that was provided was eaten by me," she said.

Miss Elsie, who had six children, three of whom have passed, said that a lot has changed since the days of her youth.

"Those days were good and we never had any such kinds of killing like now. Children were very polite and we had manners. Children respected the elderly and it took a community to raise a child. But now, it is so different," she bemoaned.

One of her son's, Princeton Nunez, said that she operated a grocery shop in the community, and would often give away books, pencil and food to children who stopped at her business place. He said that her generosity has not gone unnoticed.

"I have seen many people coming to visit her and bringing gifts, while extending thanks to her for assisting them during their school years," said Nunez.

"It is like they are paying her back for kindness rendered to them. She is a caring and loving person, who provided to the entire community. I now realise that students attending Park School (Port Antonio Primary) back then were always coming around. She never said no to anyone. She is reaping the rewards from her kindness," he added.

In addition to being kind-hearted , Miss Elsie is a devoted Christian and a member of Christ Church in Port Antonio (Anglican Church). Before her movement was restricted, Miss Elsie was always present at church service, even during heavy rains. She also supported organisations within the church, including the altar guild and the women's auxiliary, doing so even after she became a shut-in.

"She continues to enjoy an excellent relationship with the senior citizens council and also the Mellow Agers group. The outpouring of love and honour for her is really befitting of her personality and her significant milestone of 100 years," Carol Renford, a church sister and friend, said.