Mrs Edith Matilda Cooke, left, who recently celebrated her 105th birthday sits with her niece, Mrs. Norma Rockhead at the Vaughn's Field Home in St. James. - Contributed Edith Matilda Cooke who has surpassed the biblical allotment of "three score years and ten", has, by reason of strength, reached the amazing milestone of 105 years, and still counting.
She is confined to her bed at home in Vaughns Field, St. James at present, and moves around with the help of a wheelchair. Even though she has lost most of her sight and hearing Mrs. Cooke is able to trace her past years with fluency and precision. She is quite entertaining and has much advice for the old as well as the young.
Born Edith Wheeland on January 25, 1898, she grew up in the districts of Maroon Town and Mt. Horeb, St. James where she attended elementary schools. She recalls the names of three teachers, "Teacher Smart, Teacher Reid and Teacher Kennymoth". She also remembers her love for "ring games" and "baseball" which she looked forward to playing with her friends during recess time.
Mrs. Cooke, a former dressmaker and domestic worker, where she served many years as the chief "server" with a well-to-do Englishman named Thompson Evans and his family in their mansion at Fairfield, St. James, where Doctors' Hospital is now located.
The 105-year-old veteran was baptised in the Roman Catholic Church in 1926. In the same year she met Samuel Cooke and was married on December 26.
The marriage lasted for approximately 15 years, ending with the death of her husband. This marriage did not produce any children. However, many years after Mrs. Cooke became the mother of two children, Dr. Una Reid and Melton Reid.
According to Mrs. Cooke, her long life was as a result of God's blessings, which she has been experiencing over the many years. "I have always been a very kind person. I never turn the poor away from my door but care for them in some way. If I don't have anything to give, I instead give them good words of encouragement," Mrs. Cooke says.
She said it was just "the blessing of God Almighty" who has never left her over the years.
When asked what advice she would give to young people and older persons, she says, "I am encouraging everyone to love one another, don't quarrel, but love each other. Love the Lord your God with all your might and with all your heart and he will always be with you...trust in him at all times and he will direct your path", she emphasises.
Mrs. Cooke speaks passionately about her relationship with Jesus Christ and her work in the Mount Edmondson Methodist Church where she spent most of her adult life. She was an ardent member of the church choir where she sang alto and to a lesser extent soprano. She was also a member of the Women's League and was always active in the overall programmes of the church and respective auxiliaries.
"I love and support the church because I have surrendered all to Jesus. I never miss service and was always early, but now I cannot go out, however, church members and my Minister always come to visit me," she points out.
Mrs. Cooke is cared for by family members. Her only living sibling, a brother who is now 94 years old, lives in the same house.
Members of the Mt. Ward circuit of Methodist Churches led by Rev. Everald Galbraith along with two other Ministers, Rev. Athlone Harrison and Rev. Morna Christmas Frazer, met at Mrs. Cooke's home to celebrate her 105th birthday with her and a host of family members.
She was showered with accolades, songs and beautifully arranged bouquets and birthday cakes.
Mrs. Cooke enjoyed the proceedings and not wanting to be left out of the excitement that ensued, sang her favourite song, "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so".
Having attained 105 years, Mrs. Cooke says she is strong to continue her innings.
"It's all left to the Lord, but I surrender all to Him, so it is all left up to Him," she says.
