Celebrating a Rochdale Centenarian and Other “Young at Heart” Seniors

in Anderson, South Carolina, where they had two children, Patricia Ann and William Romeo Clayton. Little did they know that they would soon be part of history.

As the Matriarch of her family, Hattie is considered “blessed” as she is seen as their guiding light and inspiration. When it comes to leading a long and fruitful life, Hattie attributes her longevity to her faith in the Lord and to her commitment to her family.

By CyntHia Bernadine

Born on February 27, 1918, Hattie Clayton Sherard recently celebrated her 105th birthday. Family, friends from the community, and well-wishers poured into the Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom on Friday, March 10, 2023, to show their love and continuous support for such a regal lady. Hattie, who has lived in Rochdale Village since the early 1980s, made a special appearance to celebrate this amazing milestone during the Senior Center’s quarterly birthday celebration for Roch- dale’s “young at heart” seniors born in January, February, and March. It is a festive celebration that dates back to before the pandemic and is organized by Senior Center Director, Sheree Shivers and her dedicated staff, Evelyn Wilson and Wali Baraka.

Hattie Clayton Sherard’s long and fulfilling life began in South Carolina. When her father, the 31-year-old Ernest, and her mother, Lila, who was 20, brought her and her four siblings: John, Maude, Louise, Jessie, and Edna, up with all the love and care they could muster. In 1939, Hattie married Romeo Dean Clayton

In 1944, at the beginning of the Great Migration from the South, Hattie and her family moved to New York to seek refuge from an oppressed South, while remaining hopeful about the better opportunities that lay ahead. Ready to work for her new life and her family’s wellbeing, she became a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union while employed in the Garment District from the 1940’s until her retirement.

Today, Hattie is a charter member of the New Covenant Church of Christ in Queens Village, an institution of which she has been a member since 1959. Not one to rest on her laurels, she continues to spend time doing needed work at the church or taking trips with her fellow congregants.

The testimony of her efforts is seen in the number of family and friends who traveled to Rochdale to revel in the celebration of the life of their beloved matron. Those who could not travel were there via Zoom and in spirit.

She received numerous recognitions from City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Assemblywoman Vivian Cooke, as well as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Hattie’s grandson, District Leader of the 32nd District, Patrick Jenkins, stood by her side with the biggest smile and presented his grandmother with her many awards.

The room was filled with over 100 guests decked out in shades of purple which was this month’s celebratory theme color. Those in attendance had a ball recognizing each other’s milestones with friends, good food, and lots of dancing.