Thursday, November 6th marked the 100th birthday of Mrs. Codvis Edora Connor, affectionately known as Mrs. Codvis – a former resident of Easy Corner in South Hill. An appreciative gathering converged on the porch of the Just Tender Care Nursing Home, in North Side, to celebrate the grand event with Mrs. Connor.
Moderator of the Ceremony, Mrs. Evalie Bradley, welcomed the sizable crowd who came from all across the island: “I extend a warm welcome to all of you who have come to celebrate with our dear beloved Sister Codvis, today,” she said.
She made special recognition of Her Excellency Governor Julia Crouch and accorded her a cordial welcome to the time of reflection and celebration. She also recognized the presence of the Hon. Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge, as well as other Ministers of Government.
These welcome greetings were formally concretized by Mrs. Connor’s God-daughter, Carlene Richards, who delivered the formal welcome greeting. She also recognized the clergy, along with former Premier Victor Banks. In addition, she delivered greetings to the staff and residents of the Just Tender Care Home, where Codvis now resides.
An extensive reflection on Codvis’ life was read by one of her grand-daughters, Dr. Wilma Proctor. Extracts from the reflection indicate that Mrs. Codvis’ life was marked by some tragedy, but more so, hers was a life of tenacity, ambition, entrepreneurship and faith.
“Born as Codvis Eudora Richardson, she came into this world on November 6th 1925, destined to become a woman of grace, strength and unwavering faith,” Mrs. Proctor read. “Codvis was married at the tender age of 16 to the ‘love of her life’, the late Samuel Eddy Connor. They were blessed with seven children, but when she was only thirty-two years old Eddy died. Despite the heart-break, Codvis faced life’s challenges with extraordinary courage and faith.”
“Eddy had left behind many assets which included a cargo boat, a grocery store, a gas station, and several plots of land, along with a pick-up truck which was used for delivering goods across the island. With these resources, and through her steadfast faith in God, Codvis drew upon her self-taught entrepreneurial skills to raise her family.”
The reflections continued: “Codvis opened her store each day, selling groceries, sundries, hamburgers, sodas and coffee. Her shop became a welcomed gathering place where she earned the friendship of many persons in the Anguillian community…
“On May 25th 2000, Codvis received a plaque from the Methodist Church in recognition for her devoted service to the church and the Anguillian community. On May 30th 2006, she was awarded the Queen’s Badge of Honour by the honourable Chief Minister, Mr. Osbourne Fleming, for her outstanding contribution to the social and economic climate of Anguilla.”
Othe honours included; “On June 26th 2016, the MCCA Women’s Commission of the Anguilla Circuit presented Codvis with a Certificate of Appreciation. And that same year, the Anguilla Retired Persons Association recognized the work of both her and her late husband’s invaluable contribution to Anguilla as well as to St. Martin/St. Maarten. Then, on November 6th 2020, His Excellency the Governor, Tim Foy, visited her home to personally wish Codvis a Happy 95th Birthday.”
The Anguillian joins with all the well-wishers in the community to bid Mrs. Codvis Eudora Connor best wishes during this significant milestone celebration. Happy 100, Mrs. Codvis!
By James R. Harrigan
