A large circle of family, friends and members of the clergy surrounded Mrs. Althea Richardson of North Hill Road for the celebration of her 100th birthday on Sunday, April 22, at Bethel Methodist Church Hall.
It is at that roomy next-door location where services are now being held following the destruction of the western half of the historic church building by Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017. The Church Hall is otherwise occupied by the Bethel Preschool.
Mrs. Richardson, who lost her husband some years ago and is the mother of five children, has been described by her nephew, Mr. Elvet Hughes, as a very humble and gentle lady with a positive attitude. He said she had been a hardworking and kind person who raised her children almost single-handedly.
“What I would also say is that she doesn’t have a PhD but if you were to listen to her life-story how she served, was so humble and so on, there is a lot that all of us can learn from her,” he told The Anguillian newspaper.
The centenarian, attired in a beautiful cream dress, complete with cream shoes and matching orange sash and hat, spoke for herself when approached by The Anguillian: “Oh Lord, I am glad, glad. If I don’t see another year, I have seen this one. I give God thanks every day of my life,” she said, in a strong voice, affirming her Christian faith. “Thank you, Lord, for saving me.”
The preacher at the Sunday service was Rev. Lindsay Richardson, who, along with other members of the Methodist Clergy, used the opportunity to greet and pray for her.
Rev. Richardson remarked afterwards: “It is indeed an honour to be in the presence of someone who lived to be a 100 years. I wish I will be like her, and I pray God’s continued blessing upon her and that she will continue to enjoy good health and strength and the family here with her today.”
Sure enough, an hour later she enjoyed the company of them and other persons who attended a luncheon in her honour at Dorack’s Place, Katouche.
