Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture, reggae music, and stunning landscapes, also boast being home to one of the world's oldest persons. Violet Brown, born Violet Mosse on March 10, 1900, gained international recognition as a supercentenarian, holding the title of the world's oldest verified living person for five months. From April 2017 until her passing in September 2017, she held the title of the world's oldest verified living person.
Early Life in Duanvale, Trelawny
Violet Brown's journey began in Duanvale, Trelawny, British Jamaica, on a sugarcane estate. Born to John Mosse, a sugar boiler, and Elizabeth Riley, she was baptized into the Baptist Church at the age of 13. Brown's early life was characterized by simplicity, hard work, and a profound connection to her faith.
A Testament to Longevity
Brown's longevity was nothing short of remarkable. In an interview with The Jamaica Observer in April 2017, she revealed that she was healthier than her five remaining children, with no ailments that often accompany old age. When asked about the secret to her long life, she humbly responded to the Jamaica Gleaner, "I eat everything, except pork and chicken, and I don't drink rum and dem tings." Her approach to life reflected a simple and wholesome lifestyle.
The Last Living Connection to the Nineteenth Century
Born during the time when Jamaica was part of the British Empire, Violet Brown held a unique place in history. She was the last known subject of Queen Victoria, adding an extra layer of historical significance to her extraordinary life. Her birth in the late 19th century made her a witness to the turn of two centuries, a living bridge between different eras.
Personal Life and Legacy
Violet Brown married Augustus Gaynor Brown, and together they had six children. Unfortunately, her first child, Harland Fairweather, passed away on April 19, 2017, just a few months before her own death. Harland was notable for being considered the oldest person with a living parent, a testament to the extraordinary lifespans within the Brown family.
Journey's End
Violet Brown's incredible journey concluded on September 15, 2017, at the age of 117. She passed away at a hospital in Montego Bay, Saint James Parish, after a week-long battle with dehydration and an irregular heartbeat. With her departure, Nabi Tajima took the mantle as the world's oldest living person and the last living individual born in the 19th century.
Violet Brown's life remains etched in the rich history of Jamaica, and her legacy lives on not only in her family but also in the hearts of those who admire the strength and wisdom that accompanied her throughout her extraordinary life. Although she left this world in 2017, her story continues to inspire and resonate with generations to come.