WESTERN BUREAU:

Humble, reserved and friendly are just some of the words that can be used to describe centenarian Mitella Woolery.

Not to be underestimated, Woolery wants to take on the challenge of doing computer classes, as she still has perfect vision and her mind is still alert.

So alert is that mind that she still plays the piano and washes her clothes - all on her own. She spent her life caring for her children and late husband, Samuel.

Woolery also played the role of a business partner by assisting her husband, who was a butcher and farmer, to operate a grocery shop.

"I can comb my hair, make my bed and even crochet for myself, and I think I want to start computer class," she told The Gleaner.

Born in Sunderland, St James, on February 8, 1909, Woolery was raised by her father, Sidonia Vaughn. She is the sixth of seventh children but is the only living member of the family.

According to her son, Clasford, with whom she lives in Coral Gardens, St James, this mother of eight is "a caring, hard-working, disciplined and godly mother".