Staff have paid a moving tribute to bingo-loving great-grandmother Elsie Jeavons, who died at a Black Country nursing home. She would have been 105 in August.

She died at Waterside Nursing Home in Tipton on Wednesday after a short illness. Jane Gurney, activities organiser at the home, said: “Elsie was a lovely woman who has left a legacy of happy memories. She had a lively mind to the end and loved to reminisce about the old days.

“Although she couldn’t move much any more, she loved playing bingo and looked forward to our weekly games. She played last Friday and even won a prize. She always chose soap, which was a standing joke at the home.

“Her appetite was still good and she took a pride in her appearance. She was loved by everyone and we will really miss her.”

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Staff have paid a moving tribute to bingo-loving great-grandmother Elsie Jeavons, who died at a Black Country nursing home. She would have been 105 in August.

She died at Waterside Nursing Home in Tipton on Wednesday after a short illness. Jane Gurney, activities organiser at the home, said: “Elsie was a lovely woman who has left a legacy of happy memories. She had a lively mind to the end and loved to reminisce about the old days.

“Although she couldn’t move much any more, she loved playing bingo and looked forward to our weekly games. She played last Friday and even won a prize. She always chose soap, which was a standing joke at the home.

“Her appetite was still good and she took a pride in her appearance. She was loved by everyone and we will really miss her.”

Mrs Jeavons was born on August 4, 1902 and married her sweetheart William Jeavons in 1927. The couple had a son.

During the Second World War she did her bit for the war effort, making ammunition at a factory in Tividale.

She left the factory after the war to become a housewife, moving with her husband and young family to several homes in Dudley and Coseley. William died in 1990, aged 88, after 63 years of marriage.

Mrs Jeavons enjoyed regular visits from her family, including four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She told the Express & Star last August on her 104th birthday that the secret of her longevity was a peaceful life.

She said: “I’ve had such a happy life. It’s been a quiet life and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t walk that far now but I’ve got a good mind.”

She lived at the home with her late friend Louie Tomlinson, who lived to be 102.