BIOGRAPHY

Millicent Yearwood was born in Maynard’s Tenantry in the parish of Saint Joseph, Barbados, on 5 March 1909, to parents Willian and Agnes Pilgrim. She never received any formal education and never learned to read or write.

At some point, she began working as a plantation laborer, a common occupation at the time. She spent most of her working years on the Mount Wilton and Lion Castle plantations in St. Thomas. Every day, she walked the distance to and from work on foot. During her adult years, her day typically began around 3 a.m., when she would wake and prepare herself for the day ahead. During cane season, she worked alongside the men, cutting, bundling, and loading cane onto trucks. In addition to her plantation work, she was a hawker in Bridgetown, renowned for selling the finest “ground food.” She would set up her trade on Nelson Street in The City every Friday and Saturday. While working at Mount Wilton, she met Herbert Yearwood, whom she later married. Together, they had one daughter.

According to her daughter, her diet primarily consisted of “whatever the plantation used to grow,” and she was never fond of rice or pasta dishes. Her favorite meal to prepare was cou-cou and steamed fish, along with other staples like sweet potatoes. At the time, bush medicine was the common remedy for ailments, and she frequently used cerasee bush and other natural remedies to treat illnesses. Her only health issue later in life was arthritis.

Her unwavering dedication to her Christian faith remained strong throughout her life. Even as a centenarian, she was a devout member of the Church of God in Welchman Hall, St. Thomas, where she also served as a janitor.

Millicent Yearwood passed away in Fitts Village, Saint James, Barbados, on 22 August 2019, at the age of 110 years, 170 days. She was survived by her daughter, Mavis Small-Raper, as well as seven grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the second-oldest (known) living person in Barbados, after Edna Cumberbatch.

Her age is currently under review. Although it was originally claimed that she was born on 22 July 1907, research suggests this was likely a case of accidental identity swap. It was discovered that she had an older sister named Millicent Alberta, who was born in July 1907 but passed away on 2 October of the same year. In the same family, another Millicent was born on 5 March 1909.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Magnificent Millicent Yearwood still singing at 110 years” – Loop Barbados News, 21 July 2017

* Millicent A Yearwood (1907–2019) – Obit Moments

* Millicent Yearwood – Centenarians Of Barbados

GALLERY