It would truly be an understatement to say that Mrs. A'Lona (Lona) Lambert Simons was the life of the party given by her family in celebration of her 100th birthday a week ago. The truth of the matter is she was the shining star. She was characteristically witty, humorous, and livelier than some half her age as she effortless stole the show.Her family went the distance to ensure this milestone would be most memorable. The seven-piece band of “cool” Charles Virgil and his “Touch of Faith” musicians helped set the tone for the close to 200 guests arriving for a feast by the Carlos Dowling Caterers; and for what was intended to be a three-hour event that went well overtime.It closed with the singing of “God Night Irene' and with Lona declaring: “See you next year!”The formal welcome was given by great grandniece Karen Green. She said: “Not many people get to experience 100 years, unless of course you are a Lambert. The last time we were together like this was to celebrate Aunt Linda's (100th). And soon we will l be celebrating Aunt Agatha's.“Their father, my grandfather, lived to be 97, so those of you who married into this family should know you'll be stuck with us for a long time.”This was followed by liturgical dancing sparked by Lona's great-grandniece Dienne Greene; and tributes by family and friends. Geoffrey Durrant Butler, president of the St. James Stage Group lauded Lona for being a founding member of the group in 1968, and one of its most active members for more than a decade afterwards. Several members of the group were at the party.All of that led up to the cutting of the huge 100th birthday cake and the singing of Happy Birthday Lona.The audience then broke out spontaneously singing ‘For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.' Lona with the wave of her hand tried unsuccessfully to interrupt them.At the end with her feigned anger she managed let them know, “I'm not a fellow!”Lona asked for the mike, and sang a solo, with audience participation, “I'm Walking Up the King's Highway”.Later, with the spirit of the evening being truly upbeat, Lona asked to dance. Wentford Lambert, one of the several nephews present, partnered with her and they delighted the standing audience with a good show.There was also a spirited tribute in song rendered by Judy Virgil, leading everyone in singing “I'm on the Lord's Side, Which Side are you On”, and “Open Up All My Doors”.Niece Doyen Lambert Trott, the mistress-of-ceremonies, kept the programme moving with first one surprise then another. The biggest was her niece Teunne Greene bringing on a show of dresses handmade by Lona Lambert, as far back as 61 years ago. They were timeless pieces, some of which were her Cup Match outfits and others she wore on stage at St. James. Teunne said her aunt had entrusted the wardrobe to her care more than 20 years ago.On Sunday, the day after the party, Lona spent her time reading the dozens of cards she received from far and near. I must point out she reads without the aid of eyeglasses. At the party she told me she has never had a “sick, sick” day in her entire life.