Good GOOD TIMES
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Poem POEM
I’M FREE Love me and set me free Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God has laid for me I took his hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, and to play Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy A friend shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with the times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and peace to thee God wanted me now, he set me free.
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Service
ORDER OF SERVICE
Processional Opening Remarks Pastor Robert Stewart Praise & Worship Samatha McPhee & PenTab Praise Team Opening Prayer Mrs. Delzeta Cowell Congregational Hymn
Great is thy Faithfulness
Scripture Reading Oneil Strachan (Son) (1 Thess. 4:13-17 & Eccl. 7:1-4) Audrey Strachan (Step-Daughter) Song Shedley Strachan FAMILY TRIBUTE On Behalf of her Sister (Shirley Berry) On Behalf of her children
Tiffany Thompson (grandniece)
On Behalf of grandchildren
Oluweseyi & Abigail Ayileka
Gosman Strachan
Eulogy Joan Thompson Message Prayer for the Family Pastor Robert Stewart Recessional
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Songs SONGS
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; As thou hast been thou forever wilt be. Refrain Great is Thy faithfulness Great is Thy faithfulness Morning by morning new mercies I see And all I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Graveside GRAVESIDE
ABIDE WITH ME
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide, The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
CHORUSES
Some Sweet Day It Soon Be Done Meet Me At The River Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Eulogy EULOGY
C
armen Berry was a vibrant lady who literally lit up the room whenever she entered. Even when she was no longer able to move around, she was still full of joy and maintained her sense of humor.
June 3, 1941 was no ordinary day in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, as Aaron and Frances Berry welcomed their second child Carmen Amanda Berry, who joined her older sister Wilhel. Little did we know that she would make such an impact on the many lives that she would meet. In the years following, her siblings Shirley, Roy and Curtis were added to the family. Growing up, life was difficult for her parents. To ease the burden, she went to live with her stepsister, (sister to Wilhel) in Highgate, St. Mary. During that time she gave birth to her first child, Beverly Scott who is now deceased. After, she went to live with her sister Wilhel in Marking Stone, St. Mary. She was very happy. It was there she met and fell in love with Neville Strachan. Marriage was in the air. On August 9, 1967, they tied the knot and a year later became parents to Sandra and step-mom to Audrey. Another year went by and she gave birth a second time to Alrick, then later on to Gosman, Oneil and Georgette. Carmen was happy being a wife and mother but somehow she felt that something was still missing from her life. She started attending Glad Tidings Church of the First Born where she met Jesus and was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Growing up, her children were taught the basic foundation of loving the Lord and how to develop a high respect for the house of God. Attending Sunday school was a must, and participating in church activities was no plaything. They grew up knowing who God is and how they should live as children of God. Miss Carmen was a businesswoman. As owners of a Pastry and Furniture Company, she would do the baking and the children would go to the local stores to make the deliveries. Not only was she in charge of the bakery, she also managed the furniture store and at the same time took care of her children. By then she was well known in the community and would answer to names like Ms. Carmen or Ma’ Strachan. Settling for mediocrity was never a part of her plan. Achieving
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
the best was her motto for the entire family. To have a better understanding of what it takes to run a business, she attended Green Hill evening class where she completed a short course in Business Administration. Ma’ Strachan stood proud throughout her adversities. She kept the business going and continued to parent all six children. At the end of each day, she would do what she loved best – cooking for her children. At other times you could find her on the outside doing a bit of gardening or relaxing while crocheting mats or runners for the coffee table. Sundays were the best day of the week; the mornings were dedicated to church and the evenings to the children being treated royally with ice cream and Ma’ Strachan singing and dancing to the sound of Jim Reeves “Across the Bridge” and “Take My Hand Precious Lord” on the little LP player. The evening would then end with “Sweet Hour of Prayer” or “The Old Rugged Cross.” Ma’ Strachan migrated to the United States in December 1999, where she lived with her youngest daughter Georgette in Denver, Colorado. After years of residing in Colorado, her health began to fail and it was decided among her siblings that moving to Florida would be best for her health. While living in Florida, she attended Pentecostal Tabernacle with her son Alrick and his family. She was happy with the teachings that she was receiving at her new church home and so she was re-baptized in the name of Jesus. She had already received the baptism of the Holy Ghost while living in Denver. Hers was a life filled with gratitude; A life well lived and a race well ran. On May 14, 2020, Ma’ Strachan transitioned from this world to join her maker. It saddens our hearts that we will not be able to talk with her or to enjoy the sound of her laughter, but we are happy to know there will be no more pain and someday we’ll be together again. Thank you for the life you’ve given us and the warmth we shared during your precious time on earth. Sister Carmen Berry is survived by her sister Shirley; children Sandra (Henry), Alrick (Marie), Gosman (Sherene), Oneil (Shedley), Georgette (Olusegun) and Step-daughter Audrey; Grandchildren Julia, Kemoyan, Oluwaseyi, Sheldon, Jordan, Abigail, Tiffany, Jaedon, Layla and LJ; Great-grands, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Sleep on Mom, Ma’ Strachan, Amanda, Ms. Carmen, til’ we meet again.
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
TRIBUTE TO MY SISTER CARMEN
Sister Carmen …
My dear sister...is it really true? That God took you before I got a chance to say goodbye or even to see you? None of us are here to stay But little did I know that God would have called you home that day. If wishes could come true, I would wish to have just one more day with you. I am missing you so much it hurts! But I will try to cope as best I can to life’s revert. While we don’t grieve as those without hope, My heart breaks to lose you in every scope. I treasure the precious memories All the years we shared thru life’s extremities... The joy, laughter, pain, sadness... And how we carried each other...and stood in the gap for each other it’s priceless! In life I loved you dearly In death I love you even more, sincerely The account has now been settled, as the final exchange has passed In the absence of pain you are now healed, from brokenness you have been made whole, from hurt to forgiveness and from anger you are now at peace! Thank you for the legacy of the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ that you have imparted to me. I am comforted in knowing that you are resting sweetly in the arms of eternity Sleep on my sister, until we meet again In the heavenly realms! I love you! Sleep on! From your sister Shirley
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Mom TRIBUTE TO MOM
What I remember most about you mom is how hard you worked to make sure that we were ok. The passion you have for helping others and giving of yourself, the many sacrifices you have made for us will always be etched in my heart. There are times I would just sit back and think about the many conversations we would have and the laughter we would share at the end of them all. I am glad that my wife and children were able to share in the opportunity of hanging out with you before you went home to be with the Lord. I will always miss you mom. Your wish for me is that I be all that I can be and to know Jesus and I promise to do that. Thank you for being that loving and caring mom. You are, and forever will be in my heart. Love, Junior
I wish that I could have seen you just one more time. How my heart ached to pick you up from the hospital the day you were discharged, but it was an impossible thought. How I wish I could talk to you again, but reality tells me I will hear your voice no more. Mom, I know you don’t want me to cry, but my heart is broken. Oh how I wish you never had to die. Mom, Thank you for loving and caring for me. You have been my number one fan and supporter throughout my entire life. Throughout every competition, every achievement, every one of my career accomplishments you have been there for me, encouraging me and always praying for me. Your departure has left a void in my heart and a pain that sinks deep. However, God is my refuge and strength, and I know He will keep me in perfect peace. Mom, I love you and I can’t wait to see your face again. Forever in my heart, Alrick Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
‘Ma Strachan’ the name we sometimes used when we call you. Oh how I am going to miss saying those two words. Mom, you mean so much to me. When I think of you, my worries fades away. I remember how hard you worked so we would not be in need of anything. Not a second passed by when you are not on my mind. Your caring nature and love we will never forget. I know that you are happy now and no longer will you be in pain. I will always love you and be happy to call you mom. Love always, Oniel
Mama! Oh mama! My best friend, my caregiver, my chef, what role did you not play. You were the strongest woman I have ever known, humble and caring too. Since your passing, not a day has gone by that I don’t reminisce about a conversation we had. Thank you for the many wonderful years of loving and caring for my family and me. You have been a steadfast supporter in everything I do. Your departure has left a huge hole in my heart but I know that you are ok because you are in the hands of your Savior. I will carry you always in my heart. I love you mom and l know we will meet again. Your baby girl, Georgette
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
A mother’s love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion, sacrifices, and pain. It is endless, unselfish, and enduring. Nothing can destroy it or take that love away. I feel honored and privileged to have been your daughter. Your love for us has been unwavering and unconditional. You taught us how to be content and how to love even when it’s not reciprocated. Thank you mom for the legacy that you have left behind. I will cherish that always. You will forever be in my heart. Love always, Joan
Ms. Carmen has been a blessing to me throughout the early years of my life. I was only a stepdaughter but she always managed to treat me like one of her own. She was kind and generous. I will always be grateful to her for opening up her home to me when I needed it most and never telling me no. She was a businesswoman, a staunch disciplinarian, and a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children. We will celebrate her life always. She will be missed. Love, Audrey
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Legacy GRANDMA’S LEGACY OF LOVE
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Acknowledgments ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Royal Funeral Service Inc. 17475 NW 27th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33056 305-625-6818 INTERMENT
Vista Memorial Gardens 14200 NW 57th Avenue Miami Lakes, FL 33014
PALLBEARERS
Alrick Strachan Gosman Strachan Oniel Strachan Sheldon Strachan Geordon Strachan
(Son) (Son) (Son) (Grandson) (Grandson)
Editing Annette Taylor-Spence Love CareFronting, LLC 954-439-5615 Printing Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org 305-651-9696 Art Direction & Design Gracious GraFX Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016
Celebrating the Life of Carmen Berry
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Words are inadequate to express our appreciation for the many ways in which you have demonstrated your love for us through this journey. Every act of kindness, every gentle word, and every way you offered your support is deeply appreciated. Your various outpourings of love and support have helped us during this difficult time. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers and may the Lord bless you tremendously. The Family
