Ladyville woman turns 107

She was born in 1892 and was 8 years old at the turn of the century. She has seen it all from the development of electricity to the automobile to TV and even e-mail. But it is not her experience of technological developments in Belize that amazes people who know Agnes Quilter, it is her ability to offer sound advice about how to find happiness, even in these troubled times. Hyacinth Latchman spent the afternoon with a very special lady who is celebrating a very special birthday.

Many of us are wondering how it feels to pass the age of 80 or 90. Well, this afternoon I was blessed to meet someone who turned a hundred and seven years old today: Agnes Quilter. Agnes, who is well known in her community, told us about her philosophy of life.

Agnes Quilter, 107 Years

“When I wake up in the morning I praise my God and thank Him for the night rest. I thank Him to rise me up to see the beginning of a new day. I get up out of my bed and put on my clothes and fix up myself. I do not own any teeth but what you could eat, I could eat too. From cane, I eat anything at all I get to eat; praise God I eat.

Sometimes it was rough but when you make it you really make it. When you make it, it does not feel like anything hard. You just come and give your life and do the right thing in the sight of God and He provides for you and you will live a hundred and over.”

Quilter says the people around her respect her experience in life and are always asking her advice.

Agnes Quilter

“When they come I would advise them to behave yourself. Do not knock yourself ’bout from side to side. Be a good girl and do your work home. Go and take your little walk but come home. Do not wonder from side to side. That can’t make no life out of you.”

Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.

Quilter has over one hundred grand and great great grandchildren. This Sunday there will be a special mass for Agnes Quilter at the Evangelical Church in Lord’s Bank.