A century of life: Eula Marques credits church and childhood

British Guyana-born Eulah Evelyn Levi-Marques wore a sash reading “100 and Fabulous” on April 28 to celebrate her milestone. She was joined at her Brooklyn home, where she has lived for over 60 years, by her son Jerome, Serrao, family, and friends.

Decked out in a maroon mini dress with stylish detailing, the centenarian enjoyed the attention she received. She was especially pleased by the Consul General of Guyana to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, who honored Marques’ special day with a floral arrangement, a fruit basket, and a plaque that read.

“Happy birthday Eula Evelyn Levi Marks, with deepest appreciation, we acknowledge your remarkable journey of 100 years. Your life serves as a testament to wisdom, strength, and poise. May this milestone bring you immense joy. God’s richest blessings for your continued longevity with good health, happiness, and prosperity.”

She also received a distinction from the diplomatic office, which commended her on turning 100. It read:

“On behalf of the Consulate General of Guyana in New York, I wish to extend warmest congratulations to Mrs. Eulah Evelyn Levi-Marques on having attained the age of 100 years.”

“We at the Consulate General join her family, relatives, and friends to celebrate this remarkable woman. Born on April 28, 1926, in Buxton, Guyana, Eulah is the beloved first daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Levi and one of six children.”

One-hundred-year-old Eulah Evelyn Levi-Marques celebrated with Flowers, a fruit-basket, a plaque, and a Golden Arrowhead flag Pin from Guyana Consul General to New York Ambassador Mihael E. Brotherson. She was decked out in a fancy dress to celebrate her milestone birthday on April 28 in Brooklyn. Consulate Staffers Nacifa Watson left, and Fazia Khusial, made the presentation.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Mrs. Levi-Marques has long exemplified service. Early on, she helped in her family’s business and contributed to her church through choir, Sunday school teaching, and other activities.

“Apart from being a devoted wife to her husband, Mr. Luiz Marquez, Mrs. Levi- Marques stood as a beacon of hope, compassion, and charity, impacting countless lives through her remarkable volunteering services at nursing homes, community centers, and providing support to the sick, shut-in, and the elderly.”

“In addition, her dedicated service as Secretary of the Rosary Society and as a member of the hospitality team at her church is truly admirable and is a testament to her faith and commitment.”

“Her generation has laid the foundation for Guyana as a nation, and as we celebrate with Mrs. Levi-Marques, let us reflect with joy on her many contributions and accomplishments over the course of her life.”

May this centennial celebration be filled with happiness, peace, love, and God’s richest blessings for continued longevity,” noted the inscription.

The centenarian, whose endearing name is “Princess,” accepted her gifts from Consulate staffers Nacifa Watson and Fazia Khusial, who decorated Marques’ pretty dress with a Golden Arrowhead flag pin.  Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the New York City Council also sent a Proclamation and Citation, respectively.

The century-old Marques is still mentally sound and speaks with clarity. She was happy to share that she never wanted to marry a village boy. Instead, she waited until she migrated to the United States to find her life partner, Portuguese-born Luiz Marques.

The long-standing lady credits her well-rounded upbringing, noting that her parents and grandmother ensured she was in church from a very young age.

“I attended church since the cradle,” said the eloquent lady in a strong voice. She pointed to a black-and-white picture frame on her wall that showcased her flowing tresses.

The beauty, who won a pageant in Guyana during her youth, is still aware of her good looks. She wore a Tiera to honor her birthday, which was celebrated with her favorite Red Velvet and Carrot cakes, each affixed with her name, along with balloons and flowers that decorated the room.

One-hundred-year-old Eulah Evelyn Levi-Marques celebrated with Flowers, a fruit-basket, a plaque, and Golden Arrowhead flag Pin from Guyana Consul General Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson. She was decked out in a fancy dress to celebrate her milestone birthday on April 28, in Brooklyn. Here she is with a beautiful smile, while holding a Plaque from Guyana Consul General to New York Ambassador Michael E. Brothreson. Photo Tangerine Clarke

Marques is very proud of her roots; she traces them to Guinea-Bissau, a small West African country on the Atlantic Coast, where both of her grandparents migrated from.

She always instilled the importance of education. She recalls her father, who was encouraged to travel to England to become a doctor, but chose instead to become Guyana’s first Black engineer. “I always say, let children decide for themselves.”

Jerome Serrao said his mother has lived so long because she walked everywhere, even to doctors’ appointments. “She’s very independent, very determined, and stubborn,” he quipped.

“She said education was vital, and if I didn’t go to college, not to call her my mom because I’d be a failure. I followed her rule, earned an engineering degree, and later taught for thirty years,” said Jerome.

Mom, you know how much I love you. Thank you for everything. You always encouraged me. When I had a bad grade, you said, “You’ll do better next time. You probably didn’t study hard enough,” he shared.

The joyful, delightful centenarian was celebrated by her daughter-in-law, Judy Boyce-Serrao; nephew, Linden Levi; Lawren Austin; Barbara Cousins-Austin of Miami, Florida; Claudette Agard; and Nursing Aide Fatima K.

With such a loving family beside her, there is no doubt that Mrs. Levi-Marques has a lot more living to do and a lot more to give. Happy 100th birthday, lovely lady.