Centenarian Rattray celebrates 100th birthday

Joyce Rattray marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating her 100th birthday on July 26 with family and friends at the Lanier Island Legacy Lodge in Buford, Georgia. Rattray, who spent nearly 40 years as an educator and played the piano at her local church in Greenwich Town, Jamaica, retains vivid memories of her early life.

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I feel happy to reach 100 years old. I’m happy to be in good enough mental and physical health to enjoy my family and friends. I’m not sure what 100 years should feel like, but I feel as if I’m 80 years old.

Born the second of six children, Rattray is now the sole surviving sibling. Her centennial celebration was graced with greetings from prominent figures, including King Charles of England, Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Rattray expressed happiness and gratitude for reaching 100 years, noting she feels as if she is 80 and is thankful for her mental and physical health.

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I give God thanks for that.

She celebrated with her three children, Dr. Garth Rattray, Ann-Marie Rattray-Clarke, and Fitz-George Rattray, and her niece, Andrea McCook. Rattray, who has lived in the United States for the past 30 years, relocated to Flowery Branch, Georgia, eight years ago. She views her long life as a "gift from God," attributing it to consistent healthy lifestyle choices and a vegetarian diet maintained for most of her life.

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For her, a long life is “a gift from God” that comes with proper lifestyle choices.

Rattray began her teaching career at age 21, serving from 1947 to 1984 at Greenwich Primary School and Norman Manley Secondary School. Her father, Felix, was a train conductor in Cuba before settling in Jamaica. Rattray considers her greatest personal achievement to be raising her children and niece, expressing pride in their accomplishments. Her life in Jamaica was centered around Greenwich Town, a community she remembers as middle-class during her youth and teaching years.

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I’ve tried to stay healthy and exercise all my life. Also, I have been a vegetarian for most of my life, which might have contributed to my longevity.