Woman reaches 102 years old
Published 10:47 pm Friday, October 20, 2017
A Suffolk native is still “shaking it up,” even at the ripe old age of 102.
Florida Beatrice Haughton used to be known as one of the best dancers in town. She’ll still shake her shoulders to show that she’s dancing on the inside.
Haughton was the only child of Thomas and Susie Haughton. She was born in Jericho and lived almost her entire life at 1907 E. Washington St. She never married and had no children.
“Her long-term memory is sharper than a two-edged sword,” friend and caretaker Joanne Davis said on Friday. “She remembers meeting Fats Domino in New York.”
Florida Beatrice “Ms. Bea” Haughton celebrates her 102nd birthday on Friday in her room at Autumn Care of Suffolk.
Haughton also ushered for 63 years at Tabernacle Christian Church.
“If it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be here; nobody would be here,” she told the Suffolk News-Herald on her 100th birthday two years ago. “He’s the one that saved me.”
Haughton still likes to keep up with the world, Davis said.
“She’s a current event kind of individual,” Davis said. “She likes to know what’s going on in the world around her. She has wonderful humor, and she said she was going to ‘shake it up’ on her birthday.”
Haughton said she felt “good” on her birthday, dressed in a lavender sweater and warmed by a purple afghan. She sported a gold-sequined cap.
On the occasion of her 100th birthday, she told the Suffolk News-Herald her favorite foods were salad and corn. But it seems her eating habits have changed considerably. Asked the same question this week, she replied with honeybuns and chicken.
She also loves sweet potato pie, Davis said.
Friday was her birthday, and she celebrated it by napping in her wheelchair at Autumn Care of Suffolk, where she resides. A small party is planned Saturday evening from 6 to 8 at Autumn Care.
