Centenarian ‘Maama’ celebrated as matriarch of Long Grass
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:47 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
Reaching a milestone few ever do, Catherine Murray, affectionately called ‘Maama’, celebrated her 100th birthday on February 4, surrounded by more than 400 family members, friends, and community well-wishers.
Born Catherine Edmond in 1925, Murray has been the heart of the Long Grass district, raising eight children single-handedly after the passing of her husband, Arscot Murray, when he was just 44. Her generosity extended beyond her family, earning her the title of ‘Mother of the Community’.
Seated in anticipation of the festivities, she beamed with joy as familiar faces greeted her. Despite her age, her memory remains sharp, as she fondly recalled her childhood days.
“Mi born Catherine Edmond, but married name Murray, mi go a Old Works school with Miss Thompson,” she shared. “Mi come out inna fifth book, mi and Betsy, the two of us were twins, Betsy and Maama them call we. Betsy dead and a Maama this a talking to you.”
Devout Christians
Murray, a devout Baptist, credited her longevity to her faith.
“From Arscot Murray, mi husband dead, mi nuh want nobody, mi stay in church, and all now mi in a the church at the Baptist church, so if mi dead now a the Baptist church them a go church mi body,” she said. “A Mada Murray them call me a church.”
Asked about the secret to her long life, she declared, “Because I am honest, Jesus Christ nuh want no bad man and bad woman, him want nice children to sing in church and preach the gospel.” She then broke into song, delivering two stanzas of Daniel God, He Surely Will Deliver before stopping abruptly to add, “So you have to deliver yourself to God and live long.”
The celebration came alive when she rose from her chair, supported by family, and danced to live gospel music.
Murray enjoys simple, traditional Jamaican foods, favouring sweet potatoes, roasted bananas, St Vincent yams, breadfruit, and fresh fish. However, she made it clear, “Mi nuh like gungo peas and rice.” She attributes her good health to drinking herbal teas like fever grass, cerasee, and bissy.
Her eight children – all devout Christians – credit her with shaping their lives. Two of her sons and a grandson are ministers of religion. May Murray, her fifth child, recalled her mother’s sacrifices.
“She work so hard … She would get foodstuff on credit, go to the market, sell, and then pay her debtors. Whatever she made was used to care for us.”
Youngest daughter Curdell Brown echoed this sentiment.
“My upbringing was beautiful because my mother worked hard as a farmer … she always take in other people children and care for them like her biological children.”
Her eldest grandson, Appostle Jeffrey Anderson, expressing gratitude, said, “I have to say thank God for grandma who took time out to raise me … she instilled very good qualities in me.”
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a birthday card from King Charles III, recognising her as a British pensioner.
At 100, Maama remains an inspiration – dancing, walking, and sharing wisdom. For the people of Long Grass, she is more than a mother; she is a legacy.