VI’s newest centenarian is Aleatha K. Smith-Fraser
Among those that shared in the milestone celebration with Mrs Smith-Fraser were Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, which coincidentally was his first official public engagement since being sworn in as Governor; Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL); and Opposition Leader and Representative for the First District, under which Carrot Bay falls, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie.
Bitter-sweet early years
Mrs Smith-Fraser was born in Carrot Bay on August 24, 1917 and married George W. Fraser in 1942.
“He was a handsome man,” Mrs Smith-Fraser said with a smile as she recalled first seeing him on visits to relatives in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands where Mr Fraser worked.
According to her she didn’t pay him much mind but soon a letter came to her and subsequently her parents about his interest in marrying her.
“And then it was wedding bells.”
Sadly, however, George died in 1958 leaving her with 11 children, 10 of whom are alive today.
It was almost a familiar situation as, when she was just 18 years of age, Smith-Fraser’s mom had died and she had to take on a parental role being an elder sibling.
She recalled that when her husband died she didn’t find it extremely hard to carry on with her large family especially since her eldest son was very obedient and helped her to keep the family together and in order.
Retired nurse
In 1965, Mrs Smith-Fraser moved to the United States and began working at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where she remained for 18 years until her retirement. She would then return to the Virgin Islands.
According to her she had the option of completing 20 years of service but decided not to continue.
During her 100 years, Mrs Smith-Fraser has seen much, without a doubt, including far places of the world.
Some of her memorable travels include to ‘The Holy Land’ in Israel, Rome and Battle Creek in the United States, where one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen G. White, lived.
Love for music
The centenarian said she loved to sing and at one time used to play the violin, mouth organ and tenor banjo. She said her parents loved to sing and taught them many hymns. Her daughters especially, the ‘Fraser Sisters’, have demonstrated much singing talent.
Mrs Smith-Fraser said she is grateful to God for good health throughout the years as she was never someone to get sick much.
She also shared that she tried to eat healthy and did not consume much meat. “My favourite food is pea soup.”
Her favourite scripture is Psalms 91:01. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the almighty,” Mrs Smith-Fraser recited from memory.
Reflecting on the early days in Carrot Bay, Mrs Smith-Fraser said there was always closeness among its residents. “You could have gone to any house and feel at home.”
Meanwhile, Premier Smith, in keeping with a commitment by government to recognise the territory’s centenarians, presented a cheque to Mrs Smith-Fraser.
And, according to the birthday lady, “seeing all the family around” has made her 100th birthday “extra special.”
Mrs Smith-Fraser’s 10 children still alive, eight of whom were able to attend her birthday celebration, are Roosevelt, Ashield, George, Ione, Grace, James, Tama, Lenny, Daisy and Carmen. Her eldest daughter Dorothy has passed on.
The brand new centenarian encouraged persons to have more family devotion, recalling that her parents would have regular service in the home where there would be much praising and singing.
13 Responses to “VI’s newest centenarian is Aleatha K. Smith-Fraser”
Not so nowadays too much selfishness since the need becomes a greed.