Verna and Simmon Scott on their wedding day in 1951 (courtesy)
By Agrippina Fadel
Verna Scott had a few special guests at her birthday celebration.
Mayor Michelle Gomez and Tamarac Fire Rescue were with her to celebrate. After all, it was her 107th birthday.
On Monday, Gomez said she was happy to wish Verna a very happy birthday on this incredibly historic milestone celebration and added that the city is looking forward to celebrating with her again next year.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on Halloween in 1915, Verna lived with her grandparents on a tobacco farm in Calarendo. Growing up with five siblings, She still has a surviving sister who lives in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and her stepdaughter, Doreen Scott, lives in Paris with her husband and children.
Verna Scott with city officials and family {courtesy}
After leaving Jamaica, Verna went to England and worked as a printer. She married Simmon Scott in 1951 in Ealham Baptist Church. After living in the United Kingdom and New York for several years, the couple moved to Bloomfield, Connecticut, before relocating to Lauderhill.
In Florida, Verna worked as a nursing assistant, while Simmon was employed by the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. After Simmon passed away in 2003, she moved to Tamarac.
She lived with her nephew, Wentworth Ince, and niece, Odalie Ince, who shared they were “very fortunate to have a good friend in their “Auntie Verna Scott.” She then relocated to Cherry Oak Active Senior Living Residence in Tamarac, where she remains in great spirits and good health.
Verna Scott with Mayor Michelle Gomez and Tamarac Fire Rescue. {Courtesy}
Verna was in the choir and very active in Faith United Church, where she was recognized for her service in 2010.
At last year’s birthday celebration, when asked about her secret to a long life, Scott said that “being good with oneself, forgiving others, and having faith” is important.
“I don’t know of anybody [whom] I hate,” she said. “I love people, even those that hurt me.”
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