‘Seeker after God’s Heart’ Turns 100

by Erin Carelse · September 25, 2018

One hundred years on and gran Jane Jean-Pierre Thomas of Durban is still living life to the full.

A grand birthday celebration was held at the Holy Family parish hall in Musgrave Road for Mrs Thomas.

Members of her brood of two surviving daughters from eight children, 52 grandchildren, about 100 great-grandchildren, and about 25 great-great-grandchildren, joined the party in honour of her.

Mrs Thomas is proof that age is just a number when you have God on your side.

The young-at-heart centenarian lived in Peters Road and worked at a laundry as a presser, then as a caregiver and housekeeper in her early years.

Mrs Thomas said her secret to longevity is being a “prayer-warrior and a seeker after God’s heart”.

The sprightly grandmother has selflessly taken care of her siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Her good heart is open to all people from different backgrounds,” granddaughter Desiree Petersen said.

“The best lesson that I hope we all would be left with is her example of strength. Even with some of her challenges, she faced this world with faith and love,” her granddaughter said.

“Even when she can’t communicate in a way that we understand, her light still shines through,” Ms or Mrs Petersen added.