https://longeviquest.com/2025/12/enelle-smith-the-british-virgin-islands-oldest-resident-turns-107/

Enelle Smith, the British Virgin Islands’ Oldest Resident, Turns 107

Enelle Constancia Smith, the oldest living person in the British Virgin Islands, celebrated her 107th birthday in Tortola on 22 December.

Smith was born in Sea Cow Bay on 22 December 1918, to parents John and Charlotte Charles. She married Edward Leopold Smith, and the couple had three children. In September 2025, it was reported she had 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Following the passing of 104-year-old Aleatha Fraser (24 August 1917 – 13 June 2022), she became the oldest living person in the British Virgin Islands.

Oldest resident dies at 107

Enelle Smith, who was the Virgin Islands’ oldest resident, died on 30 August 2026 at age 107.

Born to John and Charlotte Charles in Sea Cow Bay on Dec. 22, 1918, Ms. Smith found joy in simple pleasures like reading, sewing and keeping her home warm and welcoming, according to a brief biography government published last September in observance of Senior Citizens Month.

She and her late husband Edward Leopold Smith had three children, one of whom has since died.

They also had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, the biography stated.

On Monday, Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley offered condolences and praised the centenarian’s contributions to the territory.

“Mrs. Smith lived an extraordinary life and was a remarkable member of our Virgin Islands community,” he said. “Her 107 years represented a lifetime of experiences, wisdom and memories, and she stood as a cherished connection to generations past.”

‘Remarkable milestones’

To mark her 107th birthday last December, the Road Town resident received gifts from the Social Development Department and visits from officials including Mr. Wheatley and the premier.

“I had the privilege of visiting Mrs. Smith on several occasions, particularly during our annual centenarian celebrations and on her birthdays,” Mr. Wheatley said. “These visits were always special to me, and I truly enjoyed spending time with her, celebrating the remarkable milestones of her life and sharing in the warmth and joy that surrounded her.”

Great-granddaughter Janette Brin remembered Ms. Smith in a Facebook post.

“What a blessing to have had her with us for so long — a life filled with love, strength, wisdom and generations of family,” Ms. Brin wrote. “I’ve been blessed to have so many strong women around me, and she was indeed the strongest of them all.”

Second oldest

The territory lost its then-second-oldest resident last year, when Emogene Creque died on Sept. 7 at age 106.

Ms. Creque, a businesswoman, made history in 1965 when she was appointed as a temporary member of the Legislative Council to serve in place of Joseph R. O’Neal.

The appointment made her the first woman to serve in the VI legislature, according to government.

After Ms. Creque’s death, the second-oldest centenarian was Betty Yates, who died in March at age 104.

Ms. Yates, who was originally from Yorkshire, England, moved to the VI in 1969 and initially worked as a bookkeeper at Treasure Isle Hotel.

After the death of her husband in 1980, she moved to Virgin Gorda, where she worked in the family business until she retired in 2018 at age 97, government said.

Ms. Yates continued driving until the age of 102.

@ale76 R.I.P. Ms. Smith and (belatedly) Ms. Creque and Ms. Yates.