Francilla Anglin - photo by Tashieka Mair

WESTERN BUREAU:

As The Gleaner continues its focus on Senior Citizens' Week and more importantly, the most senior of those citizens - our centenarians, we would like you to meet Francilla Anglin.

Francilla Anglin celebrated her 102nd birthday on September 18, but her youthful looks and vibrant spirit would lead you to believe otherwise.

She was born and raised in Springfield, St James to William Houde and Ethel Williams. She is the eldest of six girls and three boys.

Anglin is the only living sibling of her parents, but through her only child, a daughter, already deceased, she has been blessed with six grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

A devout Christian, who always focuses on heavenly things, Anglin said despite challenging times growing up, she had no regrets.

"Though there were some tough times when I was growing up, I would live it all over again if I could," said Anglin.

The centenarian attended Kensington Elementary School for Girls and later went on to selling crochet. She became a full-time farmer after realising that crocheting was not very profitable.

Anglin's life has never been absorbed by worldly things.

"The things of the world never attract me so much because I was thinking about the things to come," she said. "When I read my Bible and see the things that God has promised me to enjoy, I think about the fact that we are going to have a better life."