This long time gal me never see yuh, Come mek me hold yuh hand!

This long time gal me never see yuh, Come mek me hold yuh hand…

Mek mi hold yuh han gal, mek mi hold yuh hand…

Approximately 100 of Elaine Ingleton’s family and friends formed a guard of honour outside the Dr Andre Minott-designed, Boscobel, St Mary property ‘Jazz Bass’, and in unison, sang Ingleton’s favourite Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett song to welcome the soon-to-be centenarian for an all-white affair as dignified as her legacy.

The celebration — held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 — a few days shy of her February 12 birthday — was naturally an opportunity to bring together many of the figures who have been integral in Ingleton’s impressive 100-year run — from the Al-Shibib family (Al Shibib family patriarch was Baha Al Shibib, the Iraqi ambassador) who employed her as a nanny for 40-plus years; to dear friend Gay Clunis; her children, Rosemarie, Ronald, Patrick, Frederick Jr, and Peter; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family and friends who affectionately call her mum and nana.

A wheelchair-bound Ingleton, guided by Hussain Al-Shibib, beamed with delight as she made her way down the receiving line — stopping at familiar faces who requested more than a knowing glance — through the home’s foyer and great room, before stopping on the porch. She was initially serenaded by the emotive pianistic talents of Karl Fraser before being transported audibly by the vocals of her sons, Peter and Patrick, who delivered a soulful rendition of Frank Sinatra’s My Way.

The party moved to the pool deck, then lower lawn area, where family and friends doted on Ingleton while excitedly putting faces to names, and catching up with those they had been longing to see. Guests feasted on a decidedly Jamaican menu as Ronald took to the microphone as master of ceremonies.

The open mic during dinner afforded many the opportunity to share their own part in Ingleton’s storied life. First up was Ahlam Al-Shibib, who hired Ingleton as her children’s nanny over 40 years ago, but now considers her family, and who said, “I love you… It’s been a beautiful journey together. Without you, we wouldn’t have made it. I love you so much, and my family loves you so much. I wish that Mr Al-Shibib — I’m sure he’s watching — was here to celebrate with us.” Her son, Hussain, who, along with his siblings, affectionately calls Ingleton “Nana Etta,” thanked the Ingleton family for sharing her with them and allowing her to be part of their lives. His sister Maha, for her part, shared, “There hasn’t been a milestone of our lives that you have not been a part of, there hasn’t been a celebration that you haven’t been a part of, and we don’t want there to be a single milestone or celebration that you will not be a part of. You have been at every graduation, at every birth… at every one of the grandchildren’s births, at every wedding, every high and every low, and you will always be with us.”

Grandson Christopher Ingleton added, “What Mummy has done, through the course of her life, and the impact she’s had, culminates in five generations. It is a very rare and very precious moment of recognition, of achievement, and acknowledgement of Mummy, and all that she has brought into this world. We are all here from so many corners of the world… and she has impacted all our lives. So, Mummy, thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for us. We love you with all our hearts.”

Ingleton’s son Ronald, who explained that his mum is known far and wide, recounted her 90th birthday celebrations in Queens, New York. “I’m standing outside the building, and see motorcycle outriders enter the parking lot. So I’m telling them, ‘It’s a private ceremony,’ and this guy comes up and says, ‘We’re here for Miss Elaine’s birthday. So I step back, and the next thing I see is the Governor of New York stepping out to give Nana a toast on her 90th,” he recalled to much amusement.

Ingleton’s incredible innings has produced similar fanfare from the land of her birth. Jamaica Observer Senior Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Social Content Novia McDonald-Whyte read congratulatory messages on behalf of the Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen: “On the 12th of February 2026, you will count among the small, distinguished group of persons to enjoy the blessing of attaining their 100th birthday. I congratulate you most heartily and extend warm greetings to you. Celebrating a centenary is indeed a very special occasion. I trust that you will be surrounded by loved ones, who will help to make it a truly wonderful time for you as you embrace life and the many blessings you have enjoyed along the way.”

McDonald-Whyte also spoke on behalf of Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, whose message read: “Happy 100th birthday. Today we celebrate a century of a life beautifully lived. One filled with stories, lessons, and moments that have shaped everyone lucky enough to know you. Reaching this remarkable milestone is a testament to your strength your grace and enduring spirit. Your life stands as living history, and your presence is a gift that spans generations. Celebrating your 100th birthday is more than marking a date on the calendar, it is honouring an entire century of life, love, resilience and meaning.”

SO invites you to immerse yourself in the evening with snapshots from Elaine Ingleton’s centenary celebrations.

(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Birthday celebrant Elaine Ingleton, guided by Hussain and Ahlam Al-Shibib, makes her entrance with son Ronald.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Birthday celebrant Elaine Ingleton, guided by Hussain Al-Shibib, is all smiles as she makes her way down the receiving line. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Centenarian Elaine Ingleton (centre) enjoys a photo-op with her sister, 91-year-old Rachel Sullivan and her grand-nephew Desmond Linton.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Patrick Ingleton (left) and his wife Liza share the frame with family friend Hugh McKessey. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

From left: Peter Ingleton, Trevor Linton, Rachel Sullivan, and Hernold Linton (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Elaine Ingleton is serenaded by her sons Peter (left) and Patrick. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Dr Rosemarie Ingleton got smooches from sons Niles (left) and Kendal. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Dr Andre Minott is flanked by Frederick Ingleton Jr and Cassandra McCallum. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

The Chamber Group founder & CEO Chris Chambers and NYC-based board-certified cosmetic & general dermatologist Dr Rosemarie Ingleton (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Centenarian Elaine Ingleton (seated) shares the frame with her grandson, retired Air Force Colonel Christopher Ingleton and his wife Cindy.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Jamaica Observer Senior Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Social Content Novia McDonald-Whyte reads one of two congratulatory messages from Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen, and Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Nothing but good times as Ahlam Al-Shibib (right) and her daughter Maha Joudi honour centenarian Elaine Ingleton (second left), seated beside her daughter Rosemarie. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Ingleton’s son Frederick Jr lauds his mother for all she has done not just for his siblings and himself, but for everybody she has helped. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Elaine Ingleton’s son Ronald (right) was all ears as Hussain Al-Shibib thanked him and his family for “sharing her with us, and allowing her to be part of our lives.” (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Kendal Cooper has glowing words for his grandmother. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Also out to celebrate are The Chamber Group founder & CEO Chris Chambers and his mum, Elaine. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Generations of Ingletons celebrate their Nana’s 100th. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Each table is decorated with framed photographs of Elaine Ingleton (second right) over the years. Here, Ahlam Al-Shibib (right), Dr Rose Ingleton (left) and Elaine’s longtime friend Gay Clunis join the birthday celebrant in admiring one. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Dr Andre Minott is flanked by Niles Cooper and his girlfriend Amalia Basch. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

In a toast to his grandmother Elaine, retired Air Force Colonel Christopher Ingleton harks back to his days living with his grandfather Frederick at Potosi Ave, Pembroke Hall. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Elaine Ingleton is surrounded by (from left) Michelle Al-Shibib, her husband Hussain; Sanders Slavens and his wife Baar; Jasmine Slavens, her brother Jasper; matriarch Ahlam Al-Shibib, her daughter Maha Joudi, and Maha’s son Kareem. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Elaine Ingleton with (from left) grandson Christopher, and children Ronald, Rosemarie, Frederick Jr, Patrick, and Peter (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Guests during the poolside cocktail hour (Photo: Karl Mclarty)