The Tribune

GOVERNOR General Sir Arthur Foulkes presented Rachel Elizabeth Jennings with a bouquet of flowers in honour of her 100th birthday during a visit to Government House on April 13.

Mrs Jennings, who hit the century mark on April 14, was born on the island of Salt Cay in the Turks and Caicos. She was the last of 10 children born to Melvina and Joseph Kennedy.

Mrs Jennings is grateful to have all 10 of her children and three stepchildren alive.

She is also blessed with 60 grandchildren, 98 great grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren and in-laws.

According to her youngest daughter, Ruth Burrows, Mrs Jennings recently put aside her two passions since the age of 12 - cooking and baking.

While she was still at it, Mrs Jennings always made sure to give away baked goods to those in need.

She worked as a seamstress and also learned how to knit and crochet.

Mrs Jennings taught herself to play the piano, guitar, accordion and harmonica.

During the visit to Government House, she serenaded Sir Arthur with the old spiritual, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less".

Family and friends celebrated Mrs Jennings birthday with a motorcade that ended at the Bahamas Academy Gym on Sunday.

Her birthday celebration included tributes, a fashion show, a video presentation and a Gospel Junkanoo rush-out.