George Henry, Gleaner Writer

Lovern Banton (right), of the Assemblies of God Church in Junction, presents a Christmas basket to 104-year-old Irene Williams (left), while her daughter, Beulah Williams, looks on. The basket was delivered to the elder Williams' home at Fairfield in St. Elizabeth recently. - Photo by George Henry

MALVERN, St. Elizabeth:

Irene Williams was in high spirits recently when Christmas cheers were brought to her bedroom by Lovern Banton of the Assemblies of God Church in Junction, St. Elizabeth.

Although she was unable to see the contents of the beautiful gift basket she was presented with, due to her loss of sight as a result of old age, Ms. Williams - who was an active churchwoman up to 20 years ago - smiled gleefully when she was told the gift was beautiful.

Beulah Williams, one of her daughters, had to speak directly into her ear, due to her hearing impairment.

When her hands were placed on the present, she displayed a broad smile. Not being able to say a lot, the centenarian called God's blessings on Mrs. Banton and members of the Assemblies of God Church in the area as, according to her, it is a blessing when persons can stretch their hands to the unfortunate at this time of the year.

She said she felt good to be 104 years old, but she felt even better to be receiving a gift for her Christmas.

'Good to be remembered'

"I feel on top of the world now. I want to go home, but the Lord says my time doesn't come yet, I must wait. So I am still waiting. God bless the church for my gift. May the blessings of God be bestowed upon you always. What such love. I want to hold it in my hand," said Mrs. Williams, who was unable to hold the gift due to its weight.

Beulah, who did most of the talking for her mother, said the gesture by Banton and members of the church was welcomed and it was good that she could have been remembered at this time of the year.

"It is good that my mother could be remembered during this Christmas season. She was a kind woman over the many years and she was a hardworking mother who gave of her best for the members of her family and people around," she said.