DUMFRIES, St James – Claribell Scarlett of Dumfries is a proud and strong countrywoman, a farmer.

But we meet her as a centenarian, a select group that has watched the world for decades; and in Scarlett’s case, she has done it without ever needing glasses, and is determined to stick around for quite a few more years, God willing.

And it is likely that she will, judging from the agility and sharpness of memory displayed at her 100th birthday celebration, put on by her close family and friends on May 14 at the Dumfries Community Centre.

There was no mistaking her when she arrived at her party; but that’s after you stopped looking for a feeble old woman.

Scarlett, on arrival at the celebrations, stepped from the car that transported her, walked briskly towards the centre, stopping to meet and greet several guests, calling each by name.

It was her day and the centenarian knew it; and from the accolades showered on her – as a virtuous woman, model parent, a notable woman and great centenarian – so did the others who came out to celebrate her.

Scarlett was born on May 14, 1905 in Duanvale, Trelawny, where she grew up. She migrated from that community as a young girl and took up residence in neighbouring Wakefield in the same parish, where she attended elementary school.

Like so many who live in rural Jamaica, whether male or female, she took up farming after completing her elementary schooling. Her livelihood came from the agricultural produce that she cultivated and sold in Wakefield and adjoining communities.

Claribell met love in her 40s. More precisely, she found her soulmate Eustace Scarlett, whom everyone called ‘Tata U’, and married him in 1949. Their marital home was in Dumfries, where Claribell has lived since.

The couple had two sons, both of whom, along with ‘Tata U’, have pre-deceased Claribell. Her husband died in 1979.

But daughter Thermutus Ebanks was also in Dumfries Saturday to celebrate with her mother.

Scarlett has a strong faith in God and is an ardent member of the Hampden United Church, where she committed herself to the tenets of the Christian religion in 1940.

She joined the church choir soon after, and is still active in the group. She has also served in other areas of the church.

Her other love, farming, remains a constant in her life and she continues to cultivate and sell her produce.

Family friend Hyacinth Clarke, on Saturday, described Scarlett as hardworking, honest and even law-abiding, saying she was highly respected by all.

“She has been known as a disciplinarian and a firm and uncompromising parent – qualities so badly needed in our homes today,” said Clarke.

“We need, as parents, to come back in our right authority, and pattern this model parent.”

But even she continues to be amazed by Scarlett, noting that the centenarian still reads without the assistance of spectacles, having been blessed with wonderful eyesight.

Pastor of Hampden United, Rev Glenroy Clarke, in paying tribute to Scarlett, said that old age was a blessing from God.

“You can tell that she is a strong woman by her voice as she sings on the choir and even by her walk. Let us today pattern her sense of commitment to God and the church,” said the pastor.

Fittingly, Scarlett got the last word. Love God with all your heart, she advised, and He will provide for your every need.

To the centenarian, her advice was self-evident.

“I love God, and I am still praising him every day because he has given me long life. I am asking one and all to please look to Jesus who is our Saviour and friend. Love and serve him and he will give you long life, as he has given me,” she said.