Betty Jones – born in 1918 – had five generations of her family at her party
WHEN you reach 100 years old it is customary to receive a card from the monarch and Betty Jones – 105 today – duly had her birthday wishes from King Charles.
The honour will be kept alongside the card received from Queen Elizabeth when Betty turned 100 in 2018 – making her one of a rare group of people to receive centenarian cards from two reigning monarchs.
Betty’s amazing innings takes her back even further in time, across a that has seen five British head of state.
The great-great-grandmother – known affectionately as ‘Aunty Betty’ – has also lived through 27 Prime Ministers, having been born when David Lloyd George ran the country.
More than the historical landmarks though, Betty is the root of a huge family tree with almost 50 direct descendants.
Betty was born on Bryn Road in Loughor, Swansea, on March 24, 1918, and worked as a pharmacist and in retail.
In 1939 she married steelworker Robert ‘Bobby’ Jones, and they remained inseparable all the way up until Bobby’s passing in 2000. Together, they started a family that now spans three children, eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren.
Her birthday party was attended by five generations of relatives.
Hana Bean, one of Betty’s 20 great-grandchildren, said: “She’s just our gran. She’s still so cheeky.”
Sali Baker, one of eight grandchildren, said: “She’s the life and soul at the heart of our family. She looked after her husband all the way up to the day he passed away, she refused to let him move away from her.”
Betty, who now lives at Penylan House, has been looked after by Flor Nanessbert for the best part of eight years.
“I feel very lucky to be able to care for her. I have worked at Penylan House for nine years, and it feels like she’s always been here,” said Flor.
“Everyone who comes in thinks she is lovely, and she’s so full of energy. She just adores all of her children.”
Jelton Moyo, manager of the care home run by Link Cymru, added: “It’s a privilege to look after Betty, especially on days like today. We feel honoured to care for her because she is truly special.”
