MILWAUKEE – At 107 years old, Mrs. Vester Osborne, affectionately known as “Mother Osborne,” is celebrating another milestone in her life. She is surrounded by her loved ones.
When the First Lady of her church presented her with a plaque, she took it all in.
Thank you all very much!
Born in Homer, Louisiana, in 1917, she decided to make Milwaukee her home after visiting relatives in 1949. In 1955, she became housekeeper for Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier—and stayed there for 20 years.
“He has done so much for me, I can’t tell you everything.”
Those who know and love her, including her neighbors, say she was never known for keeping her mouth shut.
“She was really strict,” said her caregiver Tiana. “She is strong, she bites every time
and a while,” said her neighbor Willie.
Andrea learned that very quickly….
“You all ask strange questions,” said Mrs. Osborne… “now you want to see if I have any sense,” she said.
Andrea also learned that she and Mother Osborne have something in common: they both love hats!
“About how many do you have?” asked Andrea. “Oh, I can’t count them,” replied Mrs. Osborne. “Which one should I try on? It doesn’t matter… you can try on any one if you want.” “They look so good on you,” said Mrs. Osborne.
What does she love more than hats? Children!
That’s how she met her neighbor and current caretaker Tiana Hood 30 years ago.
“I said I don’t have anyone to take care of my son … and she said daddy and I will take care of him,” Hood said.
She was certainly a blessing to all who knew her. And in case you were wondering, Mother Osborne says her secret to longevity is her religion and her beauty secret is good old Vaseline.
From your friends at TMJ4 News…Happy 107th Birthday, Mother Osborne!
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