The name Selomie means peace; and no word better describes Victoria Selomie
Rhodes more than peace.
Known to many as Aunt Selma, she was born in the village of Liberta, Antigua to
Charles and Mary Rhodes on February 12th, 1920. At the tender age of three years,
she and her only sibling, Rueben, who was then five, became orphans. Although
they went to live with relatives in the village of Swetes, life for them was not easy.
As a result, they developed a deep and lasting bond and always looked out for each
other. Like her big brother was, she is a quiet person but of very strong will and
morals.
She also learnt to trust God from small and up to today the Holy Scriptures have
remained her guide. As a member of the St. John's Seventh Day Adventist Church,
she has served as Choir Member, Deaconess and Bible Worker. She certainly set
an example for many members of the Rhodes Family who continue to sing, serve
and teach in their respective Church congregations.
As a career she worked in the Government Treasury and for some time at Blue
Waters Hotel, always being diligent and honest. Despite her small physical stature,
she can put away food. Her favorites are Fungi and Fish and Veggie Soup. And she
loved the occasional Bryson Sweet Drinks. When it comes to colour, no one can
rock Pink quite like her. And with a mild hint of vanity, you cannot take her photo
without her wearing her pink sunglasses and her “good wig”. Aunt Selma loves
and is very involved with her family that includes one daughter, one
granddaughter, one grandson -in – law, two grandchildren and over two hundred
nieces, nephews among others. However, she is guarding her independence even in
the United Nations of Rhodes. This is demonstrated by her walking all kind of
back roads from Fort Road to Nevis Street, even well into her mid-nineties, so that
the Church Bus would not pick her up. The guiding principle in Aunt Selma's life
remains “Put God First in All Things”.
