Leach-Linton, 101, ‘last of Powers Gap’

Emsey Leach-Linton's youngest daughter, Denise Leacock, speaking fondly of her mother and her teaching from a young age. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt) Emsey Nevadney Leach-Linton, the last living relative in the Pickwick Gap community where she was born, celebrated her 101st birthday on Tuesday surrounded by family, hymns, praise and laughter. Sis Theresa Crichlowe, leading Emsey Leach-Linton in a prayer during her birthday celebrations. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt) Her youngest daughter, Denise Leacock, said she was grateful to see her mother reach such an extraordinary age. “She is the mother of nine, but two predeceased. Me and my husband are mostly her caregivers,” Leacock told reporters. “I feel really good because I never knew that my mother would live so long after having [nine] children.” Leach-Linton has spent virtually her entire life in the community. “She grew up in this same Pickwick Gap, but it was Powers Gap first before it was changed to Pickwick Gap. So she is the longest and only living relative out here in this community,” she said. You Might Be Interested In Leacock credited her mother’s Christian upbringing and commitment to family as important parts of her long life. “She took us to church, taking us to Sunday school, taking us to Wednesday Night, taking us to prayer meetings, taking us to picnics, taking us to the park to the exhibitions. “She is a good mother, she looked out for her children, and she made sure they were well turned out.” Leacock said her mother had a difficult childhood and was only 17 when her own mother died. “She had to work and the old time people would [say], real hard. They had to go and work for white people…it was real hard work. “She had to work at Spooners Hill, carry lunch for this body, that place and the third place, so she always was on her feet. So if they give out now, that ain’t nothing.” Today, Leach-Linton spends much of her time sleeping, but her family keeps her comfortable. “I think she’s in her own world right now. We make her as comfortable as we can. I never thought she would live to be so long because that is the truth,” Leacock said. “Her mother died at 50, and my father died at 58. It’s by the goodness of God.” Leach-Linton’s family includes nine children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Some of Emsey’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends celebrating with her on her special day. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt) (SB)