Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands (seated, right), raising his glass in a toast to centenarian Montelle Browne. Standing behind Browne are (from left) great-niece Barbara Burrowes, Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo, another great-niece who also celebrated her birthday, and Byer-Suckoo's father, Reverend Edwin Barrow, Browne's nephew.

A STRONG LOVE for the Lord has kept Montelle Adelle Browne alive to see her 100th year.

The Glebe Land, St George resident celebrated the milestone among family, neighbours, friends, members of her church and a special guest, Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands.

Browne shares her birthdate with her great-niece, Democratic Labour Party candidate for St George South, Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo.

The former domestic worker hails from Constant Tenantry, St George, but now lives in her own house in Glebe Land under the care of her god-daughter Glencalla Thorpe, who described her as "a little mischievous", but always encouraging the good in people.

She said Browne's mother used to take care of her and because of this, she decided to stay and help.

Browne, a widow, has excellent memory and a good grasp of the Bible, is blind, with hearing that "comes and goes" and suffers with a large growth on her neck. Still, nothing could keep her down on her special day, yesterday.

"I feel happy the Lord spared me to live to see the day. Live to the Lord and know that in his everlasting arms you can't lose," she said. (CA)