Social distancing rules set to combat COVID-19 didn’t stop special recognition of Nellie Louise Moss and Julia Ann Huyler in honour of their longevity.
Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith maintained his practice of honoring the country’s men and women who have attained the age of over 100 years or older, and showered Moss, 102, and Huyler, 101, with gifts and praises.
Jack Thompson, Secretary to the Governor General, visited the homes of the centenarians on Saturday, June 20, 2020 and presented them with flowers, fruit arrangements and official congratulatory letters on behalf of the Governor General.
The Governor General – by virtual means -- extended separate greetings to the ladies who both celebrate birthdays on June 20, and thanked God for their long lives.
“We must all give Him thanks,” he said. “Many of us will never reach that age.” He congratulated them and wished them many more years.
Moss was born in Fairfield, Crooked Island, and later migrated to Nassau. A mother of six children (three predeceased) she was married two times and both husbands have predeceased her.
A former entrepreneur who sold groceries and dry goods, Moss also worked as a housekeeper for 30 years.
Described as a great storyteller, she is the matriarch of her family and church community.
A member of Kemp Road Ministries, before COVID-19 Moss was chauffeur-driven to church every Sunday compliments of the church.
Moss says she has a “beautiful” life, and enjoys making strawberry and watermelon jam, and baking bread and pies. These days, however, she instructs her son as kneading dough isn’t as easy as it used to be.
Huyler, the mother of 12 children and one adopted child (six living), was never married.
An ordained evangelist, she is a member of Little Jerusalem Apostolic Church and a 2004 recipient of the Pearl Award given for evangelism by Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
As a valet steam presser in the hotel industry for 54 years, she cleaned and pressed the clothing of dignitaries before retirement.
Still very much independent, Huyler plaits her hair, does laundry, irons and continues to keep the grandchildren in line. She is the owner of a cellphone and uses it regularly.
Huyler spends her days in prayer, meditation and Bible reading. She enjoys watching wrestling and eating cracked conch and KFC.
She remembers nursery rhymes and the birthdays of all of her children.
Huyler was asked to recite the alphabet backwards during the virtual celebration.
“I’ll try to say it for you,” she responded with a chuckle.
“Are you listening?”
“Okay ....z, y, x, w, ....a,” she said, her voice crackling. “I learned that from a child [and] I can still remember it.”
Her successful attempt was received with rousing applause.
“There are very few people in the world who can do that. That is excellent! Congratulations!” replied His Excellency.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Nellie Moss and Julia Huyler received gifts at their residences to celebrate centenarian distinction on their birthday – Saturday, June 20. Secretary to the Governor General Jack Thompson, with the assistance of Government House staff, presented the gifts on behalf of Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith. (BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
