Centenarian Rattray celebrates 100th birthday
At 100 years old, Joyce Rattray still has vivid memories of living in Greenwich Town, the seafaring community along Spanish Town Road in Kingston. It is where she played piano in the local church and excelled as an educator for almost 40 years.
Rattray celebrated her birthday on July 26 with relatives and friends at Lanier Island Legacy Lodge in Buford, Georgia in the United States. The second of six children, she is the only surviving sibling.
Greetings came from King Charles of England, Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
“I feel happy to reach 100 years old. I’m happy to be in good enough mental and physical health to enjoy my family and friends. I’m not sure what 100 years should feel like, but I feel as if I’m 80 years old,” Rattray told Observer Online. “I give God thanks for that.”
She marked the special occasion with her three children — Dr Garth Rattray, Ann-Marie Rattray-Clarke and Fitz-George Rattray. Her niece, Andrea McCook, also attended the event.
The Rattray matriarch has lived in the United States for the last 30 years. She initially settled in Long Island, but relocated to Flowery Branch, Georgia eight years ago.
For her, a long life is “a gift from God” that comes with proper lifestyle choices.
“I’ve tried to stay healthy and exercise all my life. Also, I have been a vegetarian for most of my life, which might have contributed to my longevity,” said Rattray.
Much of her life in Jamaica centred around Greenwich Town (also known as Greenwich Farm), which was a middle-class community when she lived and taught there. Her father Felix was a train conductor in Cuba before coming to Jamaica and marrying Naiomi, her mother.
Mrs Rattray began teaching at age 21. Her career spanned 1947-84 at Greenwich Primary School and Norman Manley Secondary School which is now Norman Manley High.
For many years, she played piano at the Greenwich Town Methodist Church.
Her biggest accomplishment, however, is family.
“My greatest personal highlight was the opportunity to parent my children: Garth, Ann-Marie and Fitz-George and my niece Andrea. I’m very proud of their outcome,” said Rattray.
