99-year-old Miss Tunn, a true Trelawny woman

Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

At the enviable age of ninety-nine years, 'Miss Tunn' prides herself on being a true Trelawny woman.

The well-respected citizen of Clarks Town remains the foundation of her family.

Born Esmerelda Jarrett on July 23, 1913, the senior citizen grew up in the Jack Lodge area of Duanvale in Trelawny and had 11 brothers and sisters, six of whom are still alive.

She recalls that her father, James, worked at the Long Pond Estates as a mule wagon driver. Her mother, affectionately known as 'Gong Gong', worked on the estate as a butler, but also gave time in the field.

Miss Tunn said she got her formal education at the 'Big School' operated by the Methodist Church at the time.

"In those days, those who could afford it sent their children to learn trades like dressmaking or tailoring, but I went to work on the estate for six pence and tuppence der day," she recalls.

"When Bustamante came into power, he raised the pay to one shilling."

Miss Tunn has outlived seven of her 13 children, with her oldest child passing away a year ago at the age of 78.

Her daughter, 63-year-old Agatha Spencer, told Western Focus about her parenting style.

"She was a disciplinarian. School was a must and we were always properly dressed," shared Spencer.

"We were never hungry, and even when we didn't have enough to eat, no one knew because we were always happy."

RELIGIOUS FOUNDATION

Church was the foundation of Miss Tunn's family, and if one service was over too early, they would all have to find another place of worship.

The senior citizen has ensured that her family remains close and she is the counsellor and the voice of wisdom.

She also loves to read The Gleaner, and family members ensure that she gets her copy of the Outlook Magazine from The Sunday Gleaner each week.

A longstanding member of the St Michael's Anglican Church, Miss Tunn recognises Christ as the foundation of her life and encourages the younger generation to follow her path.

"My message to the youth is for them to live loving with each other. Treat their brothers and sisters with respect because love is the greatest thing. We must strive to live upright, serve the Master, and give our lives to Him," she said.

"The young people must live a sober life with God and man that their lives can be blessed and we can have a better tomorrow."