Monday, October 14, 2019
Tequesta resident Ida Harris turned 100 years old last week. Friends, family, and local dignitaries heaped praise on her last Thursday at a birthday event hosted by the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center.
Jupiter- Idella Simmons Harris Connaway stood up from her makeshift throne and raised her arms.
A crowd of more than 50 roared. Those who affectionately refer to Connaway as “Ms. Ida” had plenty to celebrate Thursday morning at the West Jupiter Recreation Center. It was her 100th birthday.
Friends, family and local dignitaries — Rep. Brian Mast, state Sen. Bobby Powell and county commissioner Hal Valeche among them — swapped memories and heaped praise onto Connaway, a near-lifelong resident of the Jupiter area and fixture of the community there, particularly its African-American residents.
“I remember just always her serving the community,” said 29-year-old grandson Shaheed Stone.
