ARTICLE

On April 8, 1924, a light began to shine in Jamaica that would eventually illuminate the lives of hundreds across the globe. Today, we celebrate Grandma Josephine Agatha Thompson, a woman whose life is a beautiful tapestry of deep ancestral roots, unwavering faith, and a legacy spanning five generations.

Deep Roots and Heritage

Josephine’s story begins long before her birth, rooted in the history of the Taino people who migrated from Venezuela to Jamaica around 600–800 AD. Her ancestors were masters of forestry, fishing, and farming—stewards of the land who sought freedom in the island’s interior. There, they joined the Maroons, creating a heritage of resilience and strength that Josephine carries to this day.

Born the eldest of eight children to Vincent and Hilda Williams, Josephine grew up with the vibrant energy of a farmer’s daughter. She later married Ronald Thompson, a man of Cuban, Scottish, Taino, and African descent. Together, they built a life centred on the soil and the soul, farming sugarcane, bananas, and yams until Ronald’s death at 66.

A Legacy of Love

Looking at Josephine’s family tree is to witness a forest of blessings. She is the matriarch of a truly "great" family, boasting:

• 13 Children
• 95 Grandchildren
• 102 Great-Grandchildren
• 30 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Her family is her joy, and she has travelled across England, the United States, and Canada to ensure those bonds remain strong.

A Life Hidden in Christ

Josephine’s true North has always been her Saviour. In 1961, she and Ronald joined the Claremont Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Mary, Jamaica. Today, she is a cherished member of the Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church, where her devotion remains as fiery as ever.

Known for her sharp mind, Josephine is a "walking Bible." She is famous within the congregation for:

• Memorising every Sabbath School memory verse, quarter after quarter.
• Reciting the Books of the Bible with flawless precision.
• Performances of "Heaven’s Grocery Store" that move the hearts of all who listen.
• Missionary zeal, whether she is inviting neighbors to evangelistic meetings or collecting funds for Harvest Ingathering.

The Secret to 102 Years

Many ask how Josephine remains so sharp and jovial at 102. If you ask her, she won’t point to a "magic pill." Instead, she credits her longevity to the Eight Laws of Health and her daily communion with God.

Her mind remains incredibly sharp—as the family says, "Don’t even try to outsmart her; she is always one step ahead!" But beyond her wit lies a spirit that is kind, friendly, and profoundly sweet. She starts every single day the same way: reading her Bible and falling to her knees in prayer.

We praise God for the gift of Josephine Thompson. She is a living testament to the promise that those who plant themselves in the courts of the Lord will flourish even in old age.

Happy 102nd Birthday, Grandma Josephine!

Nicola Peterson
Granddaughter