NASSAU, Bahamas — Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes presented Rachel Elizabeth Jennings with a bouquet of flowers in honour of her 100th birthday, during a visit at Government House, April 13.
Mrs Jennings who hit the century mark on April 14, was born on the island of Salt Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She was the last of 10 children born to Melvina and Joseph Kennedy.
Mrs Jennings is blessed to have all 10 of her children and three stepchildren alive.
She is also blessed with 60 grandchildren, 98 great grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren, and in-laws.
According to her youngest daughter, Ruth Burrows, Mrs Jennings recently stopped her two passions that she learned at the age of 12 – cooking and baking. However, while she was able to bake, Mrs Jennings always made sure to give away baked goods to those in need.
She was a seamstress, who also learned how to knit and crochet. Mrs Jennings taught herself to play the piano, guitar, accordion and the harmonica. During the visit to Government House, she serenaded His Excellency with the old spiritual “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”.
Family and friends celebrated Mrs Jennings birthday with a motorcade that ended at the Bahamas Academy Gym, Sunday, April 15. Her birthday celebration included tributes, a fashion show, a video presentation and Gospel Junkanoo Rush-out.
By Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services
