Celebrating a Century: The inspiring journey of Weada Matthews
TAMPA (BLOOM) – As Tampa welcomes its latest centenarian, Weada Matthews, the community celebrates not just the milestone of turning 100 but also the welath of experiences and wisdom she brings. Born on the sunny shores of Cuba on March 27, 1924, Matthews’ journey through life is a testament to resilience, love, and the ever-evolving world around us.
Raised in Jamaica from the tender age of two, Matthews’ early years were filled with the vibrant culture and spirited community of the Caribbean. It was here that she began to weave her path through life, a journey that would later take her to Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1956. Norristown became the stage for the next chapter of her life, where she and her husband, Justin Matthews, nurtured their family of six children, embracing both joys and challenges with open arms.
The Matthews family’s move to Florida in 1985 marked yet another chapter in Weada’s extraordinary life. Settling first in Port Charlotte, then Pembroke Pines, and finally Tampa in 2021, Weada has called the Sunshine State home for nearly four decades. Throughout her life, Weada has been a beacon of positivity, known among friends and family for her daily walks, love of politics, and the cherished time spent with loved ones.
Her resilience is matched by her spirit. Even today, Weada embarks on almost daily walks of nearly a mile, staying connected with friends and family across the United States and Jamaica through frequent phone calls. Her fondness for reciting quotes, parables, and Bible verses has not only been a source of personal strength but has also offered encouragement and wisdom to those around her.
As a mother, grandmother to 13, and great-grandmother to 23, Weada has been a witness to the world’s transformation over the past century. From the advent of the internet to the marvels of modern appliances, she has seen the ways in which technology has reshaped human connections and simplified daily life. Yet, amidst these changes, her philosophy for a long and healthy life remains beautifully simple: gratitude towards God and love for one another.
Reflecting on her 100 years, Weada Matthews offers more than just advice for longevity; she provides a blueprint for a life well-lived, underscored by faith, love, and gratitude. As we celebrate her centennial milestone, her story is a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of many, and the enduring legacy of kindness and resilience.
In launching this segment to highlight local centenarians, we’re reminded of the rich narratives that shape our community. Weada Matthews’ journey from the Caribbean to Tampa Bay encapsulates a century of memories, challenges, and triumphs—a life that truly exemplifies the beauty of reaching 100 years.
Introducing “Century Celebrations”: A Tribute to Tampa’s Centenarians
In the spirit of celebrating life and the wisdom it brings, Bloom Tampa Bay is thrilled to launch a new segment, “Century Celebrations”. This special feature aims to shine a light on the extraordinary lives of Tampa’s centenarians, individuals who have graced this world for 100 years or more. Their stories are not just milestones but are rich narratives filled with history, love, resilience, and wisdom that can inspire us all.
Through “Century Celebrations”, we invite our viewers and readers to take a moment to appreciate the depth of experience and knowledge that our community’s eldest members offer. Whether it’s tales from a century ago or advice for living a fulfilled life, each story is a testament to the incredible journey of life.
Do You Know a Centenarian?
Do you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who has celebrated their 100th birthday? We’d love to hear from them! Bloom Tampa Bay is looking for inspiring stories of centenarians from Tampa and the surrounding areas to feature in our upcoming segments.
If you or someone you know has a remarkable story to share, please reach out to us. Share the journey of your loved ones who have reached this remarkable age, and let us celebrate their legacy together.
To submit a story, or if you’re a centenarian eager to share your journey and wisdom, please contact me, Brody Wooddell at bwooddell@wfla.com. We are excited to hear from you and potentially feature your story in our “Century Celebrations” segment.
Let’s honor the lives and contributions of our centenarians, making sure their stories and wisdom continue to enrich our community. Join us in celebrating these incredible milestones and the people who have achieved them.
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