A 105-year-old Black British woman attributes her longevity to wine, traditional Caribbean Pot Soup, and faith in God.
Mavis Wallace, who will soon turn 106 in August, credits her well-being to consuming water from boiled Jamaican Yam and Sweet Potato, along with enjoying two to three glasses of red wine weekly. She affectionately refers to the water from boiled yam, banana, and pumpkin as Pot Soup, a favorite of hers, as shared with The Voice.
When asked about her beverage preference between rum and wine, Mrs. Wallace humorously opts for white rum, quipping, “Drink white rum and tumble down.”
Vitality
Known fondly as Aunt May within her family and local community, the esteemed centenarian maintains an active social life and relishes her time at a local Caribbean luncheon club. Apart from her culinary delights and wine indulgence, her family highlights the role of her faith and robust religious foundation in keeping her mentally sharp and energetic.
Mavis Wallace, raised in the Pentecostal Church and a devoted Jehovah’s Witness for over three decades, actively participates in Bible studies, church conventions, and meetings. Her niece Evelyn Holness and grandniece Lorraine Gordon emphasize the collective family effort in caring for Aunt May, describing the warm reception she receives at church gatherings.
Despite her age, Mrs. Wallace remains dynamic, traveling annually to Jamaica and frequently visiting her relatives in the United States. Her grandniece Lorraine Gordon elaborates on her VIP treatment during travels, flying first class with esteemed airlines like Virgin and British Airways.
Born in 1918 in Wait-a-Bit, Jamaica, Mrs. Wallace vividly recalls her childhood with her parents, Mary and Joseph Powel, and seven siblings. Known as “the Wash Belly,” a term for the youngest child in Jamaican culture, she reminisces about her rebellious nature during her school days.
Transitioning to England in the mid-1940s, Mrs. Wallace initially found the adjustment challenging due to the contrasting weather but gradually adapted to her new life in Lewisham, southeast London.
Enduring Love and Loss
Married to her late husband Glen for over 50 years, Mrs. Wallace played a significant role in raising her husband’s nephew, Patrick Wallace. Despite not having biological children together, she cherishes the memories of her son Eastern, born when she was 16 years old.
Tragically, Eastern passed away at a young age due to food poisoning from an unripe Ackee fruit, leaving Mrs. Wallace with profound sorrow. Despite this loss, she dedicated herself to nurturing her extended family, including her grandniece and brother, Johnny Gordon.
During her tenure at the Peek Freans biscuit factory in Bermondsey, Mrs. Wallace devoted nearly four decades of service before retiring in the 1990s, receiving recognition for her dedication with a golden watch.
Post-retirement, she continued her altruistic endeavors by providing care and support to international students from Spain and France studying in London. Mrs. Wallace’s culinary skills shone as she prepared traditional Jamaican meals for her young guests, fostering lasting bonds with students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Looking ahead to her 106th birthday, Mrs. Wallace anticipates another trip to Jamaica or even a cruise, embodying a spirit of gratitude for her long and fulfilling life, enriched by her acts of kindness and generosity towards others.