Express & Star

One of Sandwell's oldest residents celebrates 104th birthday

One of Sandwell's oldest residents - whose father helped to make the Titanic anchor chain - has celebrated her 104th birthday.

Published
Annie Overton, with care assistants Kirsty Kennedy, and Josh Piggott

Annie Overton, a resident at Veronica House care home, in Leabrook Road, Tipton, marked the occasion with a party amongst friends, fellow residents and carers.

She was given a specially-made birthday cake by one of the carers and enjoyed a sing-along.

Her son Paul, 72, said: "I am very pleased that I have still got a parent. She is a remarkable one.

"If the lord is good and gives her another 12 months, she will get to 105 and receive another card from the Queen (after receiving one on her 100th)."

Annie's roots are as Black Country as they come. She was born and bred in Cradley Heath and was the daughter of a master-chain-maker. Her father Caleb Smith helped to make the chain for the anchor used on the historic passenger ship, the Titanic.

Annie grew up in a different era which saw her start work at the age of 14.

It was later on, in the workplace, when she met her husband John, while working at Parker and Osborn, which is a glass manufacturer in Birmingham. They pair married in 1940 and had Paul, their only child, five years later.

John died in 1979, aged 64.

It is known whether Annie is officially the oldest resident in Sandwell but Paul has been looking at records to find out.

He is very pleased at the accommodation she is in.

He continued: "Veronica House is a wonderful institution. Staff are dedicated not just to my mom but all the other residents. They made a cake for her and the celebrations were wonderful."

Dawn Burke, a receptionist, added: "We presented her with a big birthday cake which a carer had made for her and we all sung her a happy birthday.

"Invites were sent out to all the care home's residents to attend and about 25 or 26 came along with their families to take part in the celebrations.

"The celebrations were absolutely amazing. She was singing.

"Paul her only child attended alongside a couple of his cousins."