Beryl Agatha Nichols is 100 years old today, and she said that her secret to long life is her faith in God.
She said she feels wonderful and has nothing to complain about at her age and advised young people to seek God and live the life of a true Christian.
Today Ms. Beryl will be pampered by her relatives at a party they are having in her honour and the black cake she baked herself will be on the bill of fare.
Yesterday, at her home at 5-6 D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, the centenarian was surrounded by her relatives, including her daughter, Nellie Caine, 64, who is presently caring for her.
The mother of five told the Guyana Chronicle that she is most happy that all her children grew up in a Christian home and now all her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren have followed suit.
Ms. Beryl, with a big smile, said that after her husband died 38 years ago she worked as a domestic and supported her children.
After living and working in the United States for 30 years, she only returned to Guyana last November. For Guyana is her home, and she wants to die here.
Ms. Beryl, called “Sis”, explained that Guyana is always home for her and it is here she spent the best days of her life even though she is an American citizen.
Apart from being partly deaf in both ears from a cold she contracted when she gave birth to a daughter many years ago, she still can read and do things on her own.
This highly religious senior citizen prefers to do things on her own and has an impeccable memory.
She spoke of the colonial days when she was young and her life when she was married, but noted that she has out lived all of her friends and associates.
Ms. Beryl has five children, 27 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.
The centenarian eats her meals without a fuss and still participates in regular conversations with her family.
Ms. Beryl explained that she is very happy to be home and with her loved ones who are making the necessary preparations for her birthday party. Some relatives from overseas have come for the grand occasion.