Ms. Joyce Still Dancing at 100

Turning 100 years old has not dimmed Joyce Dixon’s rhythm or love for life.

The beloved resident of Albion, St. Thomas, who was born on January 3, 1926, `shocked many at her recent birthday celebration when she rose to her feet and skillfully danced along to Stevie Wonder’s 1980 hit, ‘Happy Birthday’.

“I’m a good dancer,” the centenarian, affectionately called Ms. Joyce, declared to JIS News as she detailed a long life of joy, resilience and faith in God.

She recalled many years of moving to the changing beats both on the dance floor and in life.

She has credited her long life to having “a clean heart [and] a pure spirit”.

“Love your neighbour, love everybody, and just as you see me, that’s how I am –open and welcoming. I’m also very God-fearing, and my God, we talk. I talk to God like I talk to [others],” the sharp-minded Mrs. Dixon said.

Her birthday celebration was held at the Double Scoops Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlour in Albion as part of the popular eatery’s birthday club.

Mrs. Dixon has been living in the Albion community since 1972 and even after travelling to other countries, for her, there is nothing like her beloved Jamaica.

“I love everything about Jamaica; I love everything in my birthplace,” she said.

She began her working life at the age of 15 years old and performed many jobs before becoming an entrepreneur, even owning a wholesale in downtown Kingston.

She describes herself as a hard worker, who has overcome many challenges in life including a cancer diagnosis.

“I’m a cancer survivor and I pulled right through,” she told JIS News.

Having witnessed a century of profound change, the centenarian expressed concern regarding the state of modern society, including the erosion of traditional values once held dear.

Still, she remains grateful for life, reflecting that, “I had a good life. So, I live in all memories now. I’m still grateful.”

Although she has no biological children, Mrs. Dixon is a mother figure to many, and her adopted children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives hail her as a matriarch and a pillar of enduring strength.

Adopted son, Conrad McQueen, said, “She is everything to me. She sent me to school and she raised me from I was a baby until now, and she is still [raising] me.”

Adopted niece, Christine Regent, told JIS News that even at 100, Mrs. Dixon still travels on her own, dresses herself and can hold a conversation with the wit and clarity of someone half her age.

Some of the greatest lessons she has learned from the centenarian are to be hardworking, manage one’s money well, take care of her possessions and enjoy life.

“She has this laugh about her. She just puts her head back and she laughs. It’s unique to her,” Ms. Regent said.

Expressing pleasure at the celebration held in her honour where there were many laughs in-between an abundance of food and drinks, Mrs. Dixon said, “This is beautiful; this is wonderful; this is a surprise. I never dreamed something like this would have happened.”

She added: “I’m very, very, very appreciative and thankful for the gentleman (Double Scoops Owner, Garrie Parker), who offered me such a pleasure. I adore him and I love him.”

Mr. Parker said it was a pleasure to celebrate Mrs. Dixon.

“This is a milestone that many persons… wish would be a part of their existence. This is what blessing looks like, 100 years strong. And just to see her walking and dancing, it’s a different story. This is historic to me; we love you,” he told Mrs. Dixon.