The family and friends of Doris Bennett came together on Saturday, 14 March to celebrate her 102th birthday at their home in Weltevreden Park.
Doris grew up on a farm in Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal before she moved to Johannesburg in search of employment.
“It’s a blessing to have her with her mental capacity intact at this age. She is still very hard-working and determined, but one can see that time has caught up with her in some instances,” said Doris’ grandson, Vincent Phillips.
Doris does not wear spectacles and her hearing is very good. The Northsider had a pleasant conversation with the birthday girl and she answered each and every question with so much insight and wisdom.
Cecilia Phillips, who used to be married to Doris’ late grandson said, “She has been a pillar of strength in our family. God just keeps extending her life because she is a very special person in our lives.
“She was there for my children when my husband passed away. Whenever I see her, I don’t have to tell her anything because she just knows it already.”
According to her family, Doris is the light in her family’s lives. She forgives easily and doesn’t bear any grudges. “That is why God has given her such a long life,” said Cecilia.