Centenarian Ethel Channer samples her centennial cake during the special centennial celebration put on by her hundreds of family and friends at the Wexford Court Hotel in Montego Bay recently.- JIS Photo

Centenarian Ethel Channer samples her centennial cake during the special centennial celebration put on by her hundreds of family and friends at the Wexford Court Hotel in Montego Bay recently.

What is the secret of longevity? How does one prevail over the biblical allotment of "three score years and ten" to live way past one hundred?

Is there a particular path to be taken in order to discover the mysteries of longevity and to be among the champions in our midst known as centenarians?

Ethel May Channer, born on November 6, 1908, is a proud centenarian who has surpassed that amazing milestone.

Judging from her present physical condition, her sharp memory and her ability to read her Bible, the newspaper and all her many special-event cards fluently, Ethel plans to stick around.

Born and raised in Prospect, St Elizabeth and more commonly known as 'Miss Muriel', she was the first child for her parents, Rhoda Salmon and Charles Cowan.

At the tender age of eleven months, Ethel lost her father. She was raised by her grandparents, Alexander and Francis Cowan in Mocho in New Market.

activities

Ethel, who had two sisters and one brother, attended the Nightingale Elementary School. Her mother, who lived elsewhere, loved her only child dearly and visited her very often.

Ethel grew up in New Market and was engaged in the activities of the church, as well as in the usual games and pastimes of the community.

She recalled walking to school with her friends and participating in ring and ball games and reciting many lessons learnt at school. She even spoke vividly and fluently about some of her favourite teachers, who showed tough love.

"I remember my childhood days in school and at church. My teachers were very loving and we, as children, loved and respected them even though they were very serious when it came on to our book work. We could not fool around," said Channer.

Ethel was said to be very faithful and obedient to her grandparents. She lived with them until she became an adult.

In 1936, she met and fell in love with the tall and handsome William Nathaniel Channer, who was known by most as 'Mass Will' throughout the community of Fife's Pen in St Elizabeth.

Shortly afterwards, they got married and the union produced 10 children, seven girls and three boys, nine of whom are still alive today.

survivor

Speaking at a family celebration for Ethel at the Wexford Court Hotel in Montego Bay recently, noted gynaecologist, Dr Doris Channer-Watson, hailed her as a "survivor" and a "young centenarian" who spent each moment of her life making sure those around her were blessed.

"Mrs Ethel Channer has been blessed with the gift of life and has utilised this life in making and shaping countless others, opening and unveiling many doors for many persons. In her life, there were many struggles and challenges, but she overcame them all. Indeed she has seen many hurricanes, storms and possibly, a few earthquakes, but she is still here," Dr Channer-Watson pointed out.

"Today, as a family, we celebrate the abundant life of our special centenarian, Ethel Channer, and we do hope that she will go on to have many more years of happy life. We would also like to thank her family for caring for her in such tangible ways. We thank those who have been influenced by her life to be pastors, nurses, caregivers, musicians, accountants and other professionals for being here to celebrate with her and for also giving back to society," she added.

The centenarian was showered with much love, accolades, citations, cards, gifts and bouquets by hundreds of relatives, friends and well-wishers of the family, during the celebrations.

All her nine children then gathered around her as she was assisted in cutting her large centennial cake.

In her early years, Ethel, being a strong and focused woman who loved and feared God, was very industrious and dedicated and stood by her husband William, making life stable and happy for her family. William died 32 years ago. After his death, Ethel travelled extensively to countries such as Canada, England and the United States of America, living with her many children at intervals.

The years went by, leaving her at 93 years old, less able to satisfactorily care for herself. Her family took the decision to place her in an assisted-living facility where she is currently afforded specialised care around the clock.

centre of attraction

In very short order, Ethel became the centre of attraction in the senior citizens' home. She amused those around her with jokes and made the environment a far lighter one.

Staff members at the facility have described her as always ready to give advice and always willing to correct fellow residents when necessary.

Apart from reading books and the Bible regularly, Ethel delights in watching television. When she is unable to sleep, she enjoys going through her drawers, reorganising her clothes and reading her birthday, Christmas, Easter and other special-occasion cards and letters from family and friends.

She is not able to move around without the assistance of a wheelchair, but she still has an incredible memory.

This is a collaborative effort between the Jamaica Information Service and The Gleaner.