At 100 years old, Ena Jones has a simple prescription for a long life: discipline, faith and knowing when to walk away from bad company. Surrounded by family, friends and President Jeffrey Bostic at her birthday celebration on Thursday, the Bethel Methodist Church stalwart reflected on a century shaped by purpose and principled living – and showed no signs of slowing down.
(seated left) Ena Jones with members of Bethel Methodist Church. (LE)
Describing her day as “very cool and quiet”, Jones welcomed the milestone with gratitude and reflection. Despite her age, she impressed those around her with her sharp memory and calm demeanour, sharing stories of her youth, including going to dances and life during the Second World War.
During a lighthearted exchange, President Bostic asked Jones what message she would pass on to younger generations. Her response was simple yet powerful: “Try to be the best you can. Do not follow bad company…. If you see a person going the wrong way, don’t follow.”
Ena Jones receiving a gift from President Jeffrey Bostic. (LE)
As part of the celebration, President Bostic presented Jones with a basket of flowers, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine and a birthday card which 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.”
He then praised her as a “Birthday Queen” and toasted Barbados’ newest centenarian.
Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla
Friend and fellow member of Bethel Methodist Church Wendy Darlington expressed her congratulations to Jones, saying she was one of the people who befriended her by simply sitting in the same pew as her one Sunday, and then began bringing her to church with another person.
Jones’ cousin Stevenson Tull said that when he moved to America with his family and returned to Barbados for visits, they would stop by her home, and that became a tradition. He then 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 later interview, Jones reflected on her journey to 100, describing it as something she “never thought” she would achieve, as neither of her parents reached that age. Having lost her mother at a young age, she was raised by an adoptive mother, whom she called Ms Trotman, and credited her longevity to discipline and purpose.
Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla
Her advice to young people was clear: “Live a clean life. Work… don’t worry about other people and what they do… and that’s how you get through life.” She spoke about enjoying life in her younger years but emphasised knowing when to step back and focus on building a stable future.
Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla
Faith also played a large and meaningful role in her life. Her mother was the one who introduced her to church as a child, and Jones maintained a strong spiritual foundation, which she said helped guide her through the decades.
(LE)
