(Source: nycaribnews)
Oliver Mair, Jamaican Consul General, lauded Nesta Leeloo, who celebrated her 108th birthday on January 6, 2025, as a brilliant example of love, family values, and perseverance.
Born in Mandeville, Jamaica, and lovingly referred to as “Mama,” Leeloo immigrated to the US following her marriage. In the United States, she is the second-oldest living individual.
At 114 years old, Naomi Whitehead is the oldest person living in America. She currently lives in Greenville, Pennsylvania, but was born on September 26, 1910, in Georgia.
In the company of her huge family and community, Leeloo recently celebrated her birthday in Tamarac, South Florida, and thought back on the extraordinary life she led.
She pondered at her birthday party, saying, “I had a wonderful life, I had wonderful parents, I could not ask for more.” Her family and community are still motivated by her life philosophy, which is based on morality and reverence for her upbringing.
Her current lineage consists of five great-great-great-grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren, 19 grandkids, and six children. She was one of twelve kids.
She said, “They are my life,” demonstrating the close relationship she has with her descendants. Tamarac Mayor Michelle J. Gomez proclaimed January 6th to be “Nesta Leeloo Day” in honor of her extraordinary journey, and Mair joined the festivities to offer birthday congratulations and a proclamation.
Even at her advanced age, Leeloo is quite active. She still hems jeans for her daughters and plays the piano occasionally. She used to be a seamstress. Additionally, her enthusiasm for life and feeling of independence have not diminished despite the fact that she recently began using a walker.
