West Rand’s Joey celebrates her 102nd birthday
At almost 102 years old Joey Miles is becoming one of the West Rand's oldest and longest living residents.
Joey Miles, one the West Rand’s oldest living residents, will celebrate her 102nd birthday this month.
Joey turns 102 on February 20 and said she never dreamt of ever getting this old. Joey was born in Bloemfontein before moving to East London and then Graaff-Reinet. At the age of nine, she moved to Randfontein where she attended Laerskool Rapportryer. She then moved to Krugersdorp. At the age of 19, she got married and moved back to Randfontein where she lived for 30 years and raised her children, before moving to Durban and back to the West Rand again. Two years ago she moved to Golden Harvest Retirement Village in Magaliesburg.
Joey was blessed with eight children, sadly she lost a daughter when she was still very young and her eldest daughter at the age of 63. Together she has 17 grandchildren and her 21st great grandchild is due in May.
• Also read: A century of Joey’s life celebrated
“The moment in my life that’s always stayed with me is when I had my first child … it was a miracle. I didn’t believe that I’d bear children and then as it turns out I had seven more,” Joey laughed.
She said at this age her only passion is to be happy and healthy but what she is proudest of in her life is her family.
Regarding her secret to longevity, she said, “I have no idea what my secret is except keeping my mind occupied with word games, ‘Mahjong’ on my tablet, making greeting cards and laughing. I also still enjoy my glass of wine in the evenings.”
The biggest lesson Joey said she learned in life is to always be humble and accept life as it comes without negativity. She also advised young people to live ‘a simple and clean life’.
She concluded she now lives a very quiet life and is happy to have great people around her.
