It was not surprising that Carry Murial Jeannette Crawford was the life of her own 100th birthday party Tuesday at Christ Church Hall, Devonshire.

Down through the years, she gained a reputation winning the admiration and warming the hearts of a wide circle of family and friends for her graceful manner, elegant dress, her witty, fun-loving style and above all, her love of dancing.

As a five-piece live band played, Mrs. Crawford, wearing her wide brim gold hat and matching gold shoes, smilingly greeted her guests while sedately seated with three nieces, well-known barrister Victoria Pearman, Janet Lowe and Pearl Peniston.

Then came the Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown extending greetings from his Government and the people of Bermuda. He read a "Happy 100th birthday" greeting from the Queen in London. As Mrs. Crawford perused the accompanying card she asked the Premier if there was any money in it! He then presented her with flowers, a cake and other gifts, and complimented her on being such a "spry, energetic and remarkable lady".

Dr. Brown told her she was a reminder of the fact that if one takes care of oneself, nature does the rest. As he embraced her Mrs. Crawford told him point blank she was looking for a husband, and rising from her seat, she asked him for a dance. He obliged. As the band struck up a lively Bermuda Gombey dance beat, the guests just cracked up as Mrs. Crawford "went down", deep, deep and deep and rising unaided to the tune of the music and merriment of her guests, many of whom couldn't resist getting in on the act. It was fantastic!

Mrs. Crawford's given name is "Murial". However she is known to family and friends as "Muriel" and affectionately nicknamed "Mickey John". She was the youngest of five children born to James Peniston of Devonshire Parish and Agnes Peniston, nee Hodgson of Hamilton Parish. Most of her siblings predeceased her by several decades except for her sister Marjorie who was older than her by four years and who passed away in March 2000.

Muriel now resides at the Matilda Smith home. She had resided in her own apartment with her sister Marjorie and the latter's daughter Victoria Pearman at Marjorie's home on St. Anne's Road in Southampton, until she was 95 years. The two sisters were well known for being fashionably and elegantly dressed for every occasion. Muriel was married to Albert Eugene Crawford in 1939 but the marriage was not long in duration and he passed away many years ago. She had no biological children but has been the mother, grandmother, and great-great grandmother to many. Her special daughter and special son were Connie Francis and Frederick Burch, now deceased. Connie with her family joined the 100 or more other relatives at Tuesday's celebration.

Also in attendance were Cabinet Ministers Hon. Paula Cox and Hon. Michael Scott; Canon Thomas Nisbett, nephew and lawyer Llewellyn Peniston and other dignitaries joining in what was a fitting tribute to a generous, big hearted lady on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Muriel's life has always been anything but boring. She loves music and travelling extensively with best friend Mrs. Eula Hill to such places as Japan and Hawaii. Her oldest living cousins from both the Hodgson and Peniston sides were in attendance. They were Mrs. Emily Outerbridge in her 91st year and Mrs. Edith Hendrickson in her 95th year respectively.

Ms. Pearl Peniston; her daughters and son; Mrs. Janet Lowe, Mrs. Toynette Wilson, and Mrs. Velda Peniston Charles; numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and their children, grandchildren and great grand children were all among the celebrants. Two of her nieces who died a few years ago were Mrs. Eileen Edmead Thomas and Mrs. Vianthe Jackson Hollis.

Muriel went to work about age 12, in domestic service with her sister Marjorie. She worked for the Cooper family who owned Sea Horse Cottages in Paget for over 40 years where she was in charge of the housekeeping department. After so-called retiring from there, she worked as the evening parlour maid at Sonesta Beach hotel for many years, until she was in her 80s.

The mood at the beautifully decorated Church Hall was festive with the music played by Walter Ingham's five-piece band, supplemented by a popular disc jockey. Hot finger foods complemented by an array of pastries, desserts and cakes made by master cake makers Mrs. Melvina Musson, Mrs. Shirley Lewis and Mrs. Rogerlene Hart.