Virginia Atkinson-Johnson - of Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica - celebrated her 110th birthday.

She was born on 28 February 1912.

Birthday report:

"WESTERN BUREAU:

WESTMORELAND SUPER­CENTENARIAN Virginia Atkinson-Johnson was a picture of jubilation as she celebrated her 110th birthday with family, friends and members of her beloved People’s National Party (PNP) in Caledonia at the weekend.

Born on February 28, 1912, Atkinson-Johnson, the oldest of at least nine centenarians in the parish, was fêted by a team from the PNP led by Abigail Malcolm, councillor caretaker for the Cornwall Mountain division, at the Good News Release Church of God.

‘Miss Virgie’, as she is affectionately called, had the pleasure of being surrounded by one of her three living children. Two predeceased her.

Also sharing in the occasion were her grandchildren, caregivers, political friends and the National Council for Senior Citizens, an arm of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, who presented her with a gift basket.

A household name in her hometown, Atkinson-Johnson was a feature of community and political circles and would, up to age 80, walk to church from Caledonia to Darliston on Sundays.

Atkinson-Johnson told The Gleaner that she is happy to still be alive and credits divine guidance for her longevity.

“Today, I am 110 years old, and I wish that you will live to be as old as I am, or even to live past me,” said Atkinson-Johnson, before being lifted and carried down the hill from her home to the church in a drizzle.

The devout Christian and PNP loyalist has experienced many historical milestones, including the founding of the political party in 1938, universal adult suffrage in 1944, and the transition from colonial rule to Independence 60 years ago.

Abigail Malcolm, in saluting Atkinson-Johnson, whom she first met last year, has credited the centenarian’s long life to her devotion to God and commitment to philanthropy.

“Her advice to me when we met was, ‘Young girl, mi did young like you once, but just do good,’” Malcolm said of Atkinson-Johnson, who has outlived her last husband, Nathaniel Johnson.

Danree Delancy, councillor for the Bethel Town division and deputy mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, said Johnson is a very special gift to Westmoreland, Jamaica, and the PNP.

“The reason for her being here celebrating 110 years is because she has been a good person, not only in the sight of man, but, most importantly, in the sight of God,” Delancy noted.

“Many who were born at the same time with her have gone on ahead; many who have been born after her have also transitioned,” he reasoned.

Miss Virgie last voted in the 2020 general election."

Happy birthday!