Persaud honors Guyanese centenarian Doris Letitia Fordyce with proclamation on reaching 104
Brooklyn State Sen. Roxanne Persaud on Friday presented a proclamation to Guyanese-born centenarian Doris Letitia Fordyce, honoring her compatriot for reaching a major milestone – 104 years.
“It is always a special occasion when I visit seniors,” Persaud, who represents the 19th Senate District in Brooklyn, told Caribbean Life. “Staffer Sandy and I made two visits to Ms. Doris Fordyce, who celebrated her 104th birthday on March 25.
“We visited her and her family before but returned on Friday to deliver additional copies of a New York State Resolution honoring her birthday,” Persaud added. “On our prior visit, the lovely Ms. Fordyce recited Psalm 1 for us. She also loves to sing and attend church.
“She is surrounded by a loving family that includes her daughter, Paula, son, Gladwyn, and his wife Evelyn, who are visiting from Guyana,” she continued. “We should all aspire to have the wonderful disposition of Ms. Fordyce.”
The proclamation says that the State Legislative Body is “justly proud to congratulate Ms. Doris Letitia Fordyce upon the occasion of her 104th Birthday, noting that Fordyce, a Brooklyn resident, was born on March 15, 1919 in the village of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, Guyana, and that “this courageous woman has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life.”
The proclamation says that Fordyce migrated to Brooklyn in 1995 to join her daughter, Paula, “where she resides until this day.”
Sen. Roxannne Persaud (left) and Doris Fordyce with proclamation. Photo courtesy Office of State Senator Roxanne Persaud
In Brooklyn, Fordyce became a member of the Adult Daycare at Kingsbrook, enjoying studying the scriptures under the guidance of Pastor Murphy, as well as going on trips; doing “stunning” handcraft, including knitting and crocheting; and playing dominoes and bingo, according to the proclamation.
It says that Fordyce is “the proud mother” of 10 children, 42 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren.
“This extraordinary woman worked hard as a seamstress, sewing remarkable bridal gowns and school uniforms,” the proclamation says.
“With her zest for life, Ms. Doris Letitia Fordyce has inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends,” it adds, stating that Fordyce currently attends the New Lots Community Church in East New York, Brooklyn, and “enjoys singing, especially her favorite hymn, ‘Amazing Grace.’”
The proclamation said Fordyce has “enriched the lives of those around her through her joyous and sincere love for others, and through the quiescent charm and wisdom, which come only from a fullness of years.
“It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age, and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State,” it says.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Ms. Doris Letitia Fordyce upon the occasion of celebrating her 104th Birthday,” the proclamation adds. “And be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ms. Doris Letitia Fordyce.”
When Caribbean Life asked Fordyce about her feelings on reaching this significant milestone, she simply responded: “It’s only God’s grace and mercy that’s keeping me.”
Paula intoned tersely that that her mom is “blessed with the genes of longevity and is truly loved by all.”
