Verline L. Gathers, age 63, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, surrounded by family. Although a resident of Hamden, CT for many years, she was born in New Haven, CT on February 23, 1961, to the late James Gathers of St. Stephen, South Carolina and the late Claudine Gomez of Hamden, CT. She attended Roger Sherman Elementary School, Augustus Lewis Troup Middle School, Richard C. Lee High School, and Gateway Community College. Prior to being disabled, she was a certified nursing assistant for various agencies including the Jewish Home for the Aged, Whitney Center, Benhaven, Laurel Woods, and Marrakech Inc. Verline, affectionately referred to as “Boo-Boo” or “Verl” absolutely loved music. She sang both informally, around the house while cleaning, and professionally at venues such as the Chowder Pot III in Branford, CT. She especially enjoyed live music events where she often found her way on stage and unofficially became part of the band. After discovering her daughter, whom she often referred to as her pride and joy could also sing, Verline insisted that she serenade her at every birthday whether in person or by phone. She also enjoyed sports. Before its closure, she frequented the Milford Jai-alai and later in life, took a liking to watching basketball, primarily the Golden State Warriors. Bargain shopping was her personal sport which she took quite seriously. She reviewed every store circular, compared prices, and never left home without her coupons. Although an excellent cook, she also liked to eat out. She enjoyed a good steak alongside fried seafood and always saved room for dessert. She adored purple flowers as they reminded her of amethyst, her birthstone. Above all, she was undeniably assertive, strong-willed, and contently eccentric.Verline was predeceased by both of her parents, aunts Shirley Gomes Morgan and Helen Gomes Jenkins, uncle Anthony Gomez, and brother-in-law, Kevin Beck. She is survived by her daughter, Joycelyn Romero (Michael), sister Lisa Gathers-Beck, brother Jerome Gathers (Denise), and nephews Michael Gathers and Malik Gathers. She is also survived by a host of cousins and extended relatives.
The visiting hours will be on Monday, May 6th, from 5 to 6:30 PM in The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A funeral service and a time for sharing memories will be held at 6:30 PM. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Agency on Aging of South Central CT (in memory of Verline Gathers), 117 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473 https://www.aoascc.org/forms/donations-form/
Dear Joy
May your mother Verline rest in eternal peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Sincerely The Borges Family.
Dearest Joy, we are here for you today and the day after that ,and the day after that…
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Peace and Love, Your Cousin
Veronica
Joy may God continue to cover you as you say good-bye to our beloved Verl my first cousin. In behalf of the Gomes family we send our deepest condolences. Verl’s only living aunt Rosemarie Gomes Williams sends her love. She says “Boo Boo” will always be in heart. God bless you cousin we love you..
Franny, Mickey, Keyse , Cheryl your cousins💜
God bless you cousin Joy Grace Peace & Blessings💜
Dear Lisa,
Thinking of you in your time of loss. You were a wonderful sister and friend to Verlaine, especially in these last challenging years. Who couldn’t love and appreciate an angel like you. I know she’s smiling down with countless “thank yous”.
Love
Sondra
Joy I love you and I’m sending you and cousin Lisa my deepest condolences and prayers. I’m almost to St.Thomas and I’m very broken I couldn’t be there for you. Your mom raised me so well and always made sure we stayed tight from back in the days at Trade Union I never wanted to go home. I’m gonna continue to pray for all of us. Love from my mom and sisters and my dad Eaker and my uncle Marvin
Dearest Joycelyn
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort during this time of bereavement. We are a phone call away and love you dearly
Prayers of comfort 🙏 ❤️ 💖
Trade Union family
The Johnsons
Lisa and Joy, I am so sorry about your loss. I love Verl. Also I’m gonna remember her happy face or happy smile her beautiful voice. I had to get used to calling her by her government name because I really know her as boo-boo. I love you guys from the bottom of my heart, and I am here for you, may the peace of God be with you during this difficult time God Bless your entire family 🙏🏽❤️
To Jocelyn and Family,
My deepest condolences. Keeping you in prayer.
To the Gathers -Gomes family, I’m truly sorry 😞 😢to hear of the passing of Verline ( Boo Boo) . She was like a big sister to me while we all grew up together in Trade Union Plaza and raised as one big family. Joycelyn, Lisa and Jerry you have my heartfelt condolences. Praying that the Lord sends his guardian angels 👼🏽 down to wrap their arms of comfort around your family during these most difficult times 🙏🏾. Love the Watts family ( Ovella , Melvin ,Calvin and Jeannette .
Dear Joy and Lisa,
Our deepest condolences to you both for the loss of BooBoo. Russell and Caroline Wall and the Trade Union crew are keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time. If there’s anything we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Russell, Caroline, and the Trade Union crew