Miriam Dickenson Celebrates Her 100th Birthday
Miriam Ada Dickenson celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, surrounded by her family in the home she loves, with the centenarian advocating eating fruit and drinking plenty of water, and crediting her long life to teaching and talking to God.
Mrs. Dickenson has lived a full life that was enriched by a 40-year teaching career – at the Huntley School, the West End Primary and later at Francis Patton. Watching generations of children grow and mature gave her joy, and she has also been an active churchwoman and pastor.
Minister of Health Kim Wilson visited Mrs. Dickenson just prior to the big day, and asked her about the keys to longevity. She advocates eating fruit and drinking plenty of water every day, and credits her long life to teaching and also credits talking to God every day.
Minister of Health Kim Wilson, Mrs. Dickenson and family
On December 30, 1971, she married Bishop Norris Dickenson, a widower she’d met through the Beulah Tabernacle in Sandys. He was the founding pastor of Warwick Holiness Church. After their marriage, she moved to her husband’s home in Shelly Bay.
They were together 41 years, before Bishop Dickenson died in 2012 at 100. After his death, she moved back to Sandys to live with her older sister, Hope, in the house where they grew up. Hope died a year later at age 101.
Mrs. Dickenson still lives in the same house, and attends church at Beulah Tabernacle. At her age, family and ties to the immediate community are vital to her comfort.
Mrs. Dickenson is cared for at home by two nieces and a nephew, the children of her late brother Egbert Bascome. Her two nieces Paula Tucker and Debora Bascome, and nephew, Dr Glen Bascome, are very fond of their aunt.
Minister Wilson said, “This is an example of how family’s loving care and a familiar community setting can make all the difference for a senior. Family members caring for a loved one at home makes that person feel cherished and valued.
“The Ministry promotes ageing at home, and I congratulate this family for making sure Mrs. Dickenson continues to enjoy a life with meaning all through her advanced years. Happy birthday, Mrs. Dickenson. You’re an inspiration to us all!”
God bless this Lady.
Many of us will never make it to her age.
She’s seen it all and is still positive.
Blessings.