Barbara Joan Wickham-Mitchell, the last surviving child of the famed 20th century journalist, Clennell Wickham, celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and close friends at her Graeme Hall, Christ Church home on Thursday, marking the milestone with laughter, memories, and heartfelt tributes.
Affectionately known as “Mimo”, the centenarian received a special visit from President Jeffrey Bostic, who presented her with a birthday card, champagne, and a bouquet of flowers, and toasted her longevity.
The birthday girl being greeted by President Bostic. (SZB)
Wickham-Mitchell, known for her sharp wit and strong memory, read aloud the President’s message before sharing stories and jokes with guests.
Asked how it felt to reach 100, she replied simply: “Great.”
She said she continued to care for herself, spent most of her time relaxing at home, and still enjoyed cooking, and eating coconut bread.
Raised in Government Hill, Wickham-Mitchell spent a brief period in the United States before returning to Barbados in the 1960s. She later operated the Pelican Restaurant in Pelican Island and remained active in community and church life as a member of the Religious Science Church in Cave Hill, St Michael.
She outlived her husband, Anthony Mitchell, and had one biological child, a stepson, and a stepdaughter. Her family also includes six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her aunt Barbara, Clennell Wickham’s last surviving sibling, lived to 109.
Along with national hero Charles Duncan O’Neal, Wickham-Mitchell’s father, as editor of The Herald newspaper, was a key figure in Barbados’ struggle for democratic governance in the interwar period. He went into exile in Grenada after losing a libel lawsuit over his refusal to endorse the candidacy of a Bridgetown merchant, Walter Bayley. Wickham edited The West Indian newspaper in Grenada, where he died on October 6 1938, aged 43.
Wickham surrounded by loved ones. (SZB)
Among those paying tribute to her life and legacy was her nephew, political scientist and pollster Peter Wickham, who spoke about her character and influence.
He recalled her upbringing in Government Hill and the strong community ties she developed there.
He highlighted her faith as a central pillar of her life.
“If you have spoken to Auntie Joan you know that she believes in God but it is a belief system that focuses less on the manifestation… and more on the impact that this belief should have on our lives and the people who we are,” he said.
“She would never debate… whether or not Jesus walked on water but can speak extensively on the virtues that God would want to impress upon us.”
Wickham also recalled her practical approach to faith.
“I always remember her admonition that one should spend less time praying for a miracle and more time giving thanks that God has provided you with the knowledge to study, learn and work hard to make this miracle happen,” he said.
He praised her lifelong strength, pointing to years of caring for family members and running a business.
“The strength to take charge of her late mother’s care… the strength that also helped her to care for her late husband… while running the Pelican Restaurant all at the same time,” he said.
He also highlighted her resilience in later years, including her continued independence.
“Today she walks more slowly and climbs the stairs… which is entirely more than most people her age will do,” he said.
Wickham described organisation as another defining trait.
“She’s one of the most organised… now she writes everything down. Food prep to social events to administrative tasks. She always says to write it down,” he said.
He added that she valued personal connection.
“Auntie Joan is a big fan of face to face conversations… as she can catch the nuances of human interaction,” he said.
The post Great Barbadian journalist’s last surviving child, is 100 appeared first on Barbados Today.
