Edna Barnett’s century of faith and fortitude
Published:Friday | June 28, 2024 | 12:09 AMNatrawn Wright/Gleaner Writer
In the quaint Clarendon village of Main Ridge lives a remarkable woman whose century-long life is a testament to faith, family, and fortitude.
Edna Barnett, a vibrant 101-year-old, credits a life rich with great experiences and blessings for shaping her into the revered matriarch she is today.
As a devout Christian, Barnett’s faith has been the cornerstone of her life. Growing up in a godly home, her parents’ Christian values deeply influenced her.
“Remember me as a godly woman,” she says. “I grew up in a godly home, and I was kind. When I used to get my barrels, I shared with the people in the community.”
Born in 1923 to Edwin and Muriel Shand, her early life was rooted in the rural simplicity of farming. Her father’s land and small sugar mill provided for the family, with Barnett and her siblings contributing to the harvest of yams, bananas, coffee, and more. The family’s dedication to hard work was mirrored in their community spirit, where neighbours shared resources and responsibilities.
Barnett recalls the simple pleasures and communal efforts of her youth: washing clothes by the river, gathering firewood, and fetching water from the village standpipe in the early dawn. Despite the physical demands, she remembers these times as carefree and content, underscored by the strong bonds within the community.
After completing her education at Zion School, Barnett moved to Kingston to study dressmaking and embroidery. These skills not only fuelled her entrepreneurial spirit, but also showcased her creativity and diligence.
DEVOTED MOTHER
Upon returning to Main Ridge, she married Adolphus Barnett in 1953 and became a devoted mother to four daughters.
Edna’s entrepreneurial ventures flourished as she transformed discarded flour bags into beautifully embroidered tablecloths and pillowcases, selling them locally. Her meticulous craftsmanship, using patterns traced with carbon paper and completed on a Singer sewing machine, became a beloved sight for her children.
Her talents extended to baking, where her sweet puddings and toto cakes are fondly remembered by her family.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open a grocery store in the village, which she managed successfully, balancing business with family life. The income from her store supported her family and reinforced her reputation as a capable and resourceful woman.
Barnett’s belief in the power of natural remedies is another aspect of her rich heritage.
“When you have a stomach-ache, you drink cerasee tea. The St Vincent plum is good for the cold, and soursop leaf helps you sleep,” she advises, sharing wisdom passed down through generations.
Among her cherished memories are family trips to Montego Bay, where she enjoyed the hospitality of resorts with her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. These moments of joy and relaxation are a testament to the deep family bonds that have been a source of strength throughout her life.
OVERSEAS TRAVELS
Barnett’s life was enriched by travels overseas, including visits to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, and France, allowing her to broaden her perspective and add to her wealth of experiences.
Today, Barnett is cared for by her granddaughter and great-grandchildren in Jamaica, who help her maintain her cognitive abilities through love and interaction. Her pastor’s visits ensure that she remains spiritually nourished even though she can no longer attend church. Her unwavering faith continues to be a beacon of hope and encouragement for her family and community.
She remains thankful for the values instilled in her by her parents and the community that shaped her. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and resilience form a guiding light for her descendants.
“I am a blessed old lady,” she says with a serene smile, embodying the grace and gratitude that have defined her remarkable journey.