‘Leap year’ baby scores a century

REBECCA GLOUCESTER, better known as Scyble Lewis, living in Pembroke, rang in 100 years with a restaurant bashment last Saturday, February 29. “Scyble” and one of her sisters, Marie Robertson, who cares for her, spoke to SEARCHLIGHT yesterday, March 5, about the happy occasion.

The centenarian was in good spirits, and had many smiles to give as she, sitting on her porch, surveyed the valley and the hills.

She quipped that she felt good, and was waiting until “which time God calls me home.”

Reflecting on her leap year birthday party, she explained, “We had a little cake and juice and thing so. We had a little cooking and so.”

“They treat me nice… had a nice time,” she assured.

Although she has no children, Gloucester did not want for company on her special day. Among those who joined her at Palmyra were her sister, her sister’s husband, friends and one of her nieces who travelled from England especially to celebrate the big day.

Gloucester had four sisters on her mother’s side, and at least 11 siblings on her father’s side, she informed. However, her sisters born from Eliza Gloucester, her mother, have all passed away, except Robertson, who is 86 years old. Gloucester’s father was James ‘Lawyer’ Lewis.

Originally from Penniston, the leap year child spent her working years at the Queensbury Estate.

Since Robertson returned from England 15 years ago, the two have been living together in Pembroke.

“She’s strong,” Robertson comments about her sister. “She eat anything, anything,” the sister revealed, “she don’t pick and choose.”

“She has a good appetite, she has a better appetite than me,” Robertson added. Besides hearing problems, the young sister noted that Gloucester has no major health issues that she is dealing with currently. Further “Scyble” does not rely on her to do many daily things for her.