Up until her passing November 7, 2014 Ms Maria V. George was the oldest person on the Island of Virgin Gorda, Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

The section of the magazine what will now be placed in the memory chest box of the late Maria V. George in her memory. Photo: VINO

Ms George was the most senior resident of Virgin Gorda and was well known to all on the Island. She was well known as a Christian woman and an ardent member and supporter of the Methodist Church.

Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE (R9) paid tribute to George during the First Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Second House of Assembly on Monday November 10, 2014.

“Just recently the oldest person in Virgin Gorda who was 97 years [died]. I would like to express my sorrow and condolences to the family. She was taken to the hospital sick and as far as she could remember that was the first time she was in the hospital,” he said.

“I understand the funeral is to take place on Saturday coming and I would be attending it,” he said.

“I have known her a long time. One of the things that struck me was here was this lady in her nineties that didn’t need glasses to see anything she was reading,” concluded Hon O’Neal.

According to her son due to her physical condition Ms George had to discontinue attending church but he said as recent as last week she had made her financial contribution to the upkeep of the church.

He remembered his mother as having seven biological children, three preceded her in death; one in 2007, another in 2008 and another in 2013 but she remained the elder of the family caring and loving many of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He said in the earlier days she was a hard working farmer woman tilling the soil, farming, cutting wood, burning charcoal with her husband and father. But it all came to a halt for her in 1972 when her father died.

“She was very faithful in the Methodist Church from the age of 15 years. She had to stop attending just a few years ago and her latest financial contribution was as recent as last week,” he said.

He added, “She was family oriented person. She will be missed by the community. My mother was a very good woman, she believed in family.”

That commitment to her religious faith resulted in her being featured in the BVI Methodist Connection June – September 2013 edition in the segment “The Methodist Spotlight”, this her family and loved ones now hold as a memorable feature of her dedication to her church and biblical principles.

In that feature she spoke of her happiness to have had the opportunity to express her church life. This we share in its entirety.

The Methodist Spotlight – oldest member – North Sound Methodist Church

“I am indeed extremely happy to have this opportunity to express my church life. After the Methodist Church was removed from an area called the Prayer House on the bond, it was taken down to Gun Creek in 1925. As a young girl I attended Sunday school and I thank God for my Spiritual upbringing of my parents.

The first reception service was held in the North Sound Methodist Church in the year 1932. I was one of those persons who received full membership at the tender age of 15.

I totally surrendered my life to Christ under the preaching of Sister Edris Stephens. Since then I have served my Lord and church faithfully. I have participated in concerts, attended church and prayer meetings regularly always giving monetary donations to help build and maintain the church.

The Lord has blessed me to live and see this day where I am just four years short of being a centenarian. I thank God everyday for his wonderful blessings. Due to severe pains in my legs I am unable to attend church presently but that does not stop me from supporting the church I love so well in whatever way I can.

I occupy my day by singing the wonderful sankey songs and choruses which are so dear and meaningful to me and reading my Bible. God has blessed me with such wonderful vision that at this stage I read without the aid of spectacles.

In this life we are not free from troubles and trials. Three of my children have preceded me in death (one just recently) but I rely on God from whom I draw my strength daily.

God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in time of trouble. I cast all my cares on Jesus because I know he cares for me. I will continue to serve and praise my God while he lends me breath and one of these good days I look forward to the greatest reward of all which is to gain a place in heaven.”