On February 19, 2005, over 80 family members, friends, neighbours and well wishers came out in fine style to celebrate with Mrs. Celis Pearl James her 87th birthday. Held at her residence in Calabash Bay, Treasure Beach, the event was chaired by her grandson-in-law Rev. David Ewen.

Born on February 22, 1918 to parents Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ebanks of Calabash Bay.

She was priviledged to have seven of her eleven children present. Her two eldest sons Harry from New York and Edwin and granddaughter Chaniyah journeyed form Leicester in England to help her celebrate. Present also were daughters Monica, Evelyn, Liz, and Vicki as well as another son Desmond. Unavoidably absent was son Leroy, who visited in September, got caught up in "Ivan" and weathered it out with her then. Absent also was Winston and daughters Valrie and Linda who cried because they couldn't be with "Mamma" on her big day.

Her children all showered high praises on her for the wonderful mother that she's been to them through the years. One of her daughters told her, as the song says, "You're our heroine, you've been the wind beneath our wings. You were always contented to let us shine, always staying a step behind, guiding us."

She has always been a God-fearing woman, insisting that her children go to church and also school were two of her priorities. Self respect and good manners, especially to the elderly were virtues that she imparted to them also. One daughter, Valrie, is often teased that she almost got her head 'popped' with Mass Sammy from Round Hill stick because she had too much manners. On her way to school, she met Mass Sammy and in her innocence said, "Good morning Mass Brer Head". 'Brer Head' was, of course, an unsavoury nickname. Had it not been for Evelyn's quick intervention, Mass Sammy would've taught her a lesson!

A sumptuous meal was served to guests as well as birthday cake. Champagne was also popped for her.

Mrs. James was serenaded by Mrs. Veronica Parchment, Mr. John James, as well as daughter Liz and a special song sung by her great-grandchildren.

The evening ended with the playing of Mento music and Charlton and Mitsy dancing to Calypso much to the fun and laughter of those present.

The following are some photos of the night.















Please leave any birthday greetings here and we will pass them on!

Happy bilated birthday Grandma.Hope you live to see many more.
From Michaela

Though I don't know you Mrs. James, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday. How wonderful to have so many family members on hand to help you celebrate.

-Eric

Happy Birthday Grannie, we love you and wish that we could have made it down. We will be at the next though, and the next one after that!

Whytes

Happy Birthday Grannie Celis! So many people on hand to celebrate with a special woman. Debbie and I wish you all the best. Many more to come.

Love Matthew & Debbie

Hi mom,
As you have recently celebrated your 87th birhtday, i thank God for you. Your love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. Occationally we would cry when you were sick and feel you would not make it. Because of God he helps you to pull through, inspite of that your sweet spirit is indelibly imprinted on all that i have been, all that i am, and all that i will ever be. Because everything i do reflects values learned from you. For being Essentially yourself, loving, thoughtful, patient and forgiving. I pray that i will look as good in the eyes of my own daughter, as you look in mine.

Your Daughter,
Linda

Hi granny

Hope tat you had a wonderful birthday, and we hope to see you soon. We love you very much!

love
Aimee and Ashley

Hi Sta Cilis,

Looking good for 87 hang in there. Wish my Parents
were there to celebrate with you.

All my regards to your children too.

Hi Sister Sil.Happy belated birthday you are really looking good at 87 hope you will live to enjoyed many more. your are such a kind and wonderful person we were always welcome to your house.Keep well give the kids my love take care.
love always,
nanlin.

hi sta cilis congrat happy birthday (belated) neverthe less its nice to see love and respect you always the peace of christ be with from aaron james

Dearest Mom,
I thank God you lived to celebrate your 87th birthday. You gentle guidance has immeasurable influenced all your children. Because you gave us life and more importantly lessons in how to live. You are the wellspring from which flows all good. Thank you being the loving person you have been, as a wife and mother, live long, enjoy life. Love you always.

Your Daughter,
Valrie

My Darling Sil,
You are my darling grandmother and a remarkable woman. You are a wonderful combination of warmth and kindness, laughter and love. You overlook our faults, encourage our dreams and praise our every success. You pray that the lord will bless us and you always keep us in your prayers. The lord has been good to us. You have the wisdom of a teacher, the sincerity of a true friend, and the tenderness of a mother. You are someone that i admire, respect and love very much. Sil, you will always have a cherished place in my heart and in my memories. You are someone for whom i want every happiness in return for the joy you always bring. A grandmother is all the dear and precious things in life... when she's a grandmother like you. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SIL, I LOVE YOU

Your Granddaughter,
Simone

Hi sta cil,
Happy belated birhtday, i can see from the photos that you had a lovely time and also your love ones around you to celebrate this special day with you, how nice. Looking very good keep it up, god bless you as always.

Hi Miss Cilis,
Happy belated Birthday,nice to see you on the TB.net for the second time,you are looking well for your age,I do hope that you will see many more Brithdays,I can see the Blessing of the lord is upon you, nice to see that Edwin and Harry could have been there to celebrate that wonderful Birthday with you, stay sweet Miss Cilis. God Bless you. Onelove From R.james

Hi Miss Celis,

Belated Happy Birthday to you. God has really been good to you and has blessed you with a wonderful family. May you continue to florish in God's grace. My love to you and your family and especially to Monica and Bert.

May the faithfulness of God be your encouragement for today and for all your tomorrows.