A beloved pillar of Barbados’ religious and local community marked a historic life milestone this week, as Ena Jones celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by loved ones and national leadership, and opened up about the core values that have shaped her extraordinary century of life.
The birthday celebration, held at Bethel Methodist Church where Jones has been a dedicated, long-time member, drew a crowd of family, close friends, and Barbadian President Jeffrey Bostic, who joined the occasion to honor the island’s newest centenarian. Even at 100, Jones impressed every attendee with her quick wit, sharp recall of life events, and gentle, steady composure. Looking back on decades of change and challenge, she shared vivid anecdotes from her youth, from carefree days attending community dances to the quiet hardships and resilience of life during World War II.
When President Bostic asked Jones what wisdom she would pass on to younger generations during a warm, lighthearted conversation, her response was brief but deeply resonant: *“Try to be the best you can. Do not follow bad company…. If you see a person going the wrong way, don’t follow.”*
As a formal tribute to Jones’ remarkable milestone, President Bostic presented the centenarian with a celebratory gift basket holding fresh flowers, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine, and a personal birthday card on behalf of all Barbadians. The card read: *“Reaching the remarkable age of 100 years makes you a national treasure. This calls for celebration, and so I salute you. Accept my heartfelt congratulations and those of the people of Barbados on this most significant day in your life. Happy birthday, and may God continue to shower His blessings on you.”* Bostic went on to hail Jones as the event’s “Birthday Queen” and lead a toast to her long and meaningful life.
For those who have known Jones for years, her warmth and love of life have long made her a central part of the church community. Wendy Darlington, a fellow member of Bethel Methodist Church and long-time friend, recalled how the pair first connected: they bonded after sitting next to each other in the same pew one Sunday, and eventually formed a close bond that has lasted for years. Jones’ cousin, Stevenson Tull, shared that even after he and his family moved to the United States, stopping by Jones’ home during return visits to Barbados became a beloved family tradition. Confident in Jones’ continued vitality, Tull said, *“She loves life, she takes care of herself, she made it to a hundred and I know that we are going to celebrate another birthday… for her.”*
In a post-celebration interview, Jones reflected that reaching 100 was a milestone she never imagined possible. Neither of her biological parents lived to see their 100th birthday, and Jones lost her mother at a young age, growing up raised by her adoptive mother, Ms. Trotman. When asked what she credits for her long and healthy life, she pointed to three core principles: intentional discipline, unwavering faith, and the intentional choice to step away from negative influences.
Expanding on her guidance for young people, Jones emphasized the value of steady, purpose-driven living: *“Live a clean life. Work… don’t worry about other people and what they do… and that’s how you get through life.”* She noted that she enjoyed the pleasures of youth in her earlier years, but always prioritized making intentional choices to build a stable, fulfilling long-term life.
Faith, Jones added, has been a foundational guiding force throughout every stage of her journey. Her biological mother first introduced her to church as a small child, and Jones has maintained a deep, consistent spiritual practice that she says saw her through every hardship and joy across 100 years. Jones described her 100th birthday as “very cool and quiet”, saying she approaches the milestone with deep gratitude for every year she has been given. Far from slowing down, the centenarian continues to bring joy and wisdom to everyone around her in her community.