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/