CHRISTIANA, Manchester — For the small and cheerful gathering that celebrated the 93rd birthday of Dorcas McPherson two Saturdays ago at Villa Bella Hotel in Christiana, it was not only a special occasion because of the years that she has lived, but the “quality” of life for which she is known.

As such, her family and friends, who refer to her as ‘Mother Mac’, effortlessly recounted tales of their own positive experiences with her in the Santa Hill community in Spalding where she resides.

“It is a love atmosphere. We have seen it. We have felt it. This lady has demonstrated it (love) amongst us,” said Pastor Michael Thompson as he guided the proceedings.

He describes her as a “travelling partner” of head of the Full Truth of God Deliverance Centre in Santa Hill Pastor Arthur Brown.

Brown, he said, amusingly talks of McPherson’s love for sharing jokes and her tendency to “grease yuh palm”, if she is able to when she is out shopping on weekends.

HEART Trust/NTA employee and Santa Hill resident Robert Green, in his tribute to Mother Mac, said that people like her make the community and parish a happier place and it is fitting that the accolades are being heaped on her while they can be appreciated.

“….You are highly blessed and favoured. So blessed and favoured that the blessings have resonated on your children and… to all those who associate with you…” he said.

McPherson is the mother of six children, one of whom passed away this year. Her daughter, Etta-Mae Fenton, said that in her role as a parent she has exceeded expectations.

“Mother has been everything that a mother can be and more. She is a confidant, she is a counsellor, she is a spiritual mentor… You love us unconditionally,” she said to her mom.

Others such as Junior Mitchell, who takes her to church on Sundays, said his mother has passed away but he, too, has benefited from McPherson’s maternal instinct.

Looking a younger than her actual years, McPherson told her family and friends at the event, which was a surprise for her, that her kindness towards others is just a normal part of her disposition.

“The Lord has made me (this) way. I just love to give and make everybody feel happy,” she said.

— Alicia Sutherland