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Latest centenarian reveals secret to longevity
– “I spent 61 years with my wife, I think she keeps me going”
Patriotism, commitment and love for his family and community are just a few words used to describe centenarian, John Francis Davis.
Mr. Davis celebrated his 100th birth anniversary yesterday at his New Providence, East Bank Demerara residence, surrounded by close relatives, friends, neighbours and other wellwishers.
Born on August 3, 1914, Mr. Davis has a love for nature, taking long walks and gardening. “The fresh air is good for you,” he says. At his age, Davis still possesses a sharp memory and has no major health issues.
John Francis Davis (seated third from left) surrounded by the immediate members of his family
He spent his early years in the upper Pomeroon River, Region Two.
“I am the son of Rose Tobin of the Pomeroon River and Joseph Davis, a man of Barbadian descent.”
The centenarian recalled that he attended St. Stephen’s Elementary School in Georgetown.
“When I was of age to attend school, my mother brought me to Georgetown…Children in those days were much different to the ones we have now. The boys would play cricket or marble in the streets and the children were more respectful to their elders. If you misbehaved, a stranger could have disciplined you.”
After receiving his schooling, Davis decided on becoming a tailor.
“I did well as a tailor. I met a lot of people and travelled to various parts of the country.”
During those years, Mr. Davis met Veronica Jones, his wife, whom he says contributed to his longevity.
“I spent 61 years with my wife, whom I met while she was still a teenager. In those days, there was no hanky-panky. Relationships were about love and commitment.”
When he decided that he wanted a family, Davis said that he left tailoring and went to work for the Bauxite Company.
“My hands were very soft and there was a big difference between being a labourer at a bauxite company and working with fabric.”
He said that he soon went to work at a train station. “I worked as a dispatcher at the train station in Linden. Soon after my daughter was born, our family migrated to New York.”
Davis opined that young people need to remember that their elders have been here before them and know more about life.
Although it has been 11 years since his wife passed, Mr. Davis believes that she remains with him in spirit.
“I would talk to her picture every night before I go to sleep … I think she keeps me going,” he said with a smile.
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