First and foremost it’s an honor to be associated with, and to personally know someone who is 107 years old. Affectionately known as Miss Adlyn by her rural Jamaica community at home and abroad, it is now safe to say that Miss Adlyn is a Queen and has been for more than a century. She’s royal by the measures of kindness, compassion, conduct, understanding, and God fearing principles. Miss Adlyn has been a staunch and ardent member of the Moravian Church which took root at the Nazareth Moravian Church in her rural community of Maidstone, Manchester, Jamaica. Hence, on her arrival in New York, it’s not a surprise to see her continue her Moravian attachment.
Loved by all
Miss Adlyn is loved by all her family, friends, acquaintances, church community, and the people who she continues to meet. On June 2, 2026, Miss Adlyn’s daughters, Lina and Jacqueline were happy as a lark as they shared in the glow and joy of their mother's 107th birthday. They did their own photoshoot too. Pauline, the oldest daughter of Miss Adlyn, wasn’t available in person but that didn’t stop her from showing love and appreciation for her 107 year-old mother.
…and here’s the part that connects me to Miss Adlyn’s love. I also speak for my other siblings. Her only son, Howard Dunkley, also my brother, became a victim of Hurricane Ivan in the year 2004. Her daughters are now her soldiers with top ranking performance.
What else is there to say about Miss Adlyn?
Miss Adlyn is stylish in her speaking, otherwise known as ‘speakey spokey’. She’s very posh even when she speaks the Jamaican dialect/patwa/patois. On her birthday when I spoke with her, I got a good chuckle at how well she has kept up with her gracious way of speaking. Her “o” and “a” were properly formed, pronounced and delivered in their designated location.
Miss Adlyn also has a great sense of humor, and everyday she still engages in a book of ‘search a word’. Her memory is superb. And she doesn’t falter when it comes to current affairs. I often wonder if she’s a genie. I am so intrigued by her ability to function at such a high level given her age. When it comes to the gifted and honor roll, Miss Adlyn at 107 years of age is at the head of such accolades.
Community Service...Maidstone, Jamaica
Serving the community was of utmost importance to Miss Adlyn. The following are some of the positions she held:
Census taker. Secretary, Community Council. Secretary, Nazareth Primary School Parents Teachers Association (PTA). President, Women's Fellowship, Nazareth Moravian Church.
Seamstress
Miss Adlyn was a seamstress in her community in Jamaica. I recall the lovely custom designed dresses, and school uniforms she made for my sisters and I.
Duty and gratitude
Duty and gratitude live with Miss Adlyn. She continues to send greetings, good health, and good blessings to everyone. And, at any given point or stage in life, she credits her longevity to the healthy ground provisions she had eaten in her youthful years in Jamaica. Yams such as yellow yam, renta, toi, afoo and others were her foundation foods.
The creme de la creme of centenarians.
In my boastful and biased yet thankful mind, the 107 year-old Miss Adlyn is the creme de la creme of centenarians. She reminds me of the old time farmer’s most prized container, the blue seam bale bag. It was a big deal to receive one after shopkeepers emptied them of sugar. Some people also referred to it as a crocus bag, farmers used it for reaping and storing ground provisions, the best from their crops. On that note, Miss Adlyn is a blue seam bale bag of solid love, respect, humility, gratitude, caring, sharing, good manners, her christian faith and more.
Continued strength and good health to Miss Adlyn as she navigates life.
Tah-Tah! Respecting the elders is highly appreciated.
Grace Dunkley-Asphall, Copyright © 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment