The life of Guyana’s oldest centenarian, Mathilda Lewis, who died on
Tuesday at age 113, was Wednesday celebrated with a Thanksgiving Service at the St. Andrew’s Kirk, in the city, during which she was remembered for her admirable qualities, and the congregation was admonished to emulate the example she set.

The congregation at the funeral at St. Andrew’s Kirk

Ms. Lewis had been a devout, God-fearing member of St. Andrews Kirk through the years, and was gratefully acknowledged in tributes for her works and the influence she had on those around her.

Elder George Rutherford, who remembered her as being ‘a dear old soul in every sense of the word’, noted that she has been a person of high moral standards and especially blessed with health and long life.

He declared: “We are blessed as a Church, for having such a person as one of our members, and we trust that her life, sincerity of purpose, concern for humanity, and faith in God will inspire us all to lead better lives.”

Ms. Lewis’ remains being borne out of the Church, with Reverend Massiah ahead of the pall bearers.

Elder Rutherford disclosed that the centenarian had the respect and admiration of the late Reverend Oswald Bess who visited and prayed with her during her active service, and finalized arrangements for her burial when that time would have come.

Meanwhile, Officiating Minister, Reverend Maureen Massiah, alluded to Ms. Lewis as an ‘awe-inspiring example of someone totally in step with God, trusting him absolutely, and living a moral and Christ-like life. She credited the centenarian’s deep and abiding faith in God, and noted that it must have played an important part in her peace and longevity.

Among those gathered to pay their last respects were Dr. Gladstone Mitchell; Ms. Eileen Cox of the Guyana Consumers’ Association; officers and members of the Salvation Army; members and friends from St. Andrews Kirk; members of the Senior Citizens’ Association of Georgetown and others.
Ms. Lewis was born on May 16, 1896 and died on June 30, 2009.