104 and still sharp ‘Maas Daddy’ recites scripture word for word

At 104 years old, Francesco ‘Maas Daddy’ Griffiths still does something that leaves his neighbours in awe. Without opening a Bible, he can recite scripture word for word, his voice steady and his memory remarkably sharp.

While many younger persons might struggle to recall a verse, Griffiths delivers entire passages with confidence, proving that age has done little to dull his mind.

The Thornton, St Elizabeth, resident says he considers his sharp memory, good hearing and clear eyesight among God’s greatest blessings.

“Mi glad seh at 104 mi still have mi senses mi sight, mi hearing, mi memory dem still deh wid me. Plenty people younger than me don’t get that blessing.”

For more than a century, Griffiths has called Thornton, in the African Factory district of St Elizabeth, home. It is where he built his life through farming, raised his family and earned the respect of neighbours who still regard him as one of the community’s hardest-working men.

Despite the passing years, he says he remains grateful for every day.

“Mi give glory to God. I’m getting older and the body aging but definitely mi alright,” he said.

Reflecting on his recent birthday, Griffiths said the celebration was simple but meaningful.

“My 104 birthday was wonderful. Mi friend dem come look fi me and dem put something inna mi hand.”

When asked whether the occasion included a celebratory drink, he chuckled.

“Me is not a beer man. A Dragon me used to drink back in the day but mi don’t drink anymore.”

Throughout his life, Griffiths wore many hats, but farming remained at the centre of his livelihood. Coffee, ginger and other crops kept food on the table, while hard work became a defining part of his identity.

“Mi did so many things through my life. Mi was a hard worker and did the tough jobs. Mi do farming and dem days deh mi plant coffee and ginger. Mi worked hard fi be able fi tek care a miself inna life.”

Although he spent some time in Florida, home was always calling.

“Mi never did ago leff go noweh. Mi spend some time inna Florida,” he recalled.

Griffiths also takes pride in the independence that has guided him throughout his life.

“Mi nuh beg nor borrow from people. When mi a borrow money, me a go a bank. Me did have three bank book because mi did sure what me did want as a man.”

That self-reliant spirit is something neighbours say has never changed.

“I’ve known him all my life and he is a very straightforward man. Him nah drop him feistiness and anything you move inna him place you have fi fix it back the way you see it,” said community member Sheryl Hamilton-Griffiths.

Now 60 years old herself, Hamilton-Griffiths said Griffiths has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.

“Mi born and grow come see him. I’ve seen him in the church, know him as a Christian and a great person in the community.”

“Him go about him business and do him hunting. Him doesn’t interfere with people and try fi help in what way him can.”

Even at 104, she believes he would still be farming if his body allowed it.