It seemed no expense was spared by the family of “Marvellous May” or Mayville Wilson (née Ratteray Trott) originally of Hermans Hill, Somerset and latterly of St Anne’s Road, Southampton for the weeklong celebration of her 90th birthday.

Mayville is the matriarch of the Rudolph Wilson Family — he was a mortician/contractor, who built many homes all across the Island and probably was the sharpest dressed man of his time. She also is the last surviving member of the clan of old-fashioned Mary Hamilton Trott, whose husband Charles Stuart Trott was the first black man to be elected an Member of the Colonial Parliament (MCP).

The mother of four children, Mayville has been ecstatic, excited and joyously recovering throughout this week particularly from the classy grand finale celebration Sunday last at the Royal Hamilton Dinghy Club in Paget.

Her firstborn Janette Wilson Chantouf alluding to the many salutations as ‘red roses’ from near and far were extended to Maville at the club, personally and otherwise.

Most surprising was from Michelle Obama and her husband, US President Barack Obama, hailing Mrs Wilson’s work during the 17 years she spent in Tampa, Florida with husband Rudolph.

She was president for many years of the Sixty Plus Seniors Club, their auxiliary work she continued at her Bermuda church..

Another highlight of the week was on the Thursday when she was feted by her choir members under director Sidney Simmons.

That was the day before the birthday which actually was July 17 when a private family celebration took place.

The next day the family joined, accompanying her to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southampton where she has been a devoted member since 1947.

The Sabbath service was in her honour. Pastor Randolph Wilson of the St David’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, a cousin was the guest speaker.

The grand finale of course was on Sunday at the club. The motif there was red from the roses on the tables to the dessert which was her famous red velvet cake.

Each guest was given a personal treat of the cake and engraved miniature flashlights.