Tributes have been paid to an Island woman believed to be Sheppey’s oldest ever resident.

Nellie Morgan died in her sleep on Christmas Eve, having celebrated her 106th birthday on July 3.

Mrs Morgan, who did not have children, had been a resident at Blackburn Lodge, Sheerness, for the past 10 years.

She was born in Maidstone in 1908 and shortly afterwards moved to the Island.

She grew up in Jefferson Road, Sheerness, and in her youth enjoyed swimming and gymnastics.

As a child she attended the National School, near Holy Trinity Church, and the Alexandra Road School before she left education aged 12.

She went to work at a photography shop on the corner of Meyrick Road and Alma Road, where she used to retouch pictures with a pencil so they would look perfect when they were printed.

She later worked at Coles Stationers in Sheerness.

Her late husband Henry, who died about 35 years ago, worked at Sheerness and Chatham docks.

In the Second World War he took part in the Siege of Malta and during this time Mrs Morgan worked in the local council offices.

During their married life, Mrs Morgan looked after both sets of their parents.

She also enjoyed singing in a choir and was a member of a local WI.

Lyn Nolan, 58, who knew Mrs Morgan for much off her life, said: “When my parents first got married, they moved into a bungalow in Brecon Chase [Minster] and Aunty Nellie lived next door.

“Aunty Nellie had a bath and my parents didn’t so they used to pay sixpence a week for a couple of baths. That’s how they became friends.

“We used to have a laugh about that but that’s how things were in those days.

“I remember her as always being a happy, jolly person. She was kind, loving and would do anything for anyone.

“She loved to adopt people’s cats and look after them. They were always called Tiddles, something like that.

“She was the best aunty anyone could ever hope for.”

All those who knew Mrs Morgan are welcome to attend her funeral at 12.30pm on Friday, January 23, at Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone.

Flowers can be sent to G. Hogben & Sons Funeral Directors in Sheerness.