For forty-five years we journeyed through life Such blessing and joy to have been your wife Now we part, death has taken you away But in my heart you will always stay
CELEBRATING A LIFE OF COMMITMENT & SERVICE NEW YORK
Monday, December 10, 2018 ALL NATIONS APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE 89-28 Parsons Blvd Jamaica, NY 11432 Viewing - 5:30 P.M. Celebration Service - 7:00 P.M.
JAMAICA
Friday, December 14, 2018 KINGS CHAPEL UPC Albion Road Montego Bay, Jamaica Viewing - 9:00 A.M. Celebration Service - 10:00 A.M.
ORDER OF SERVICE NEW YORK Call to Worship Prayer Congregational Hymn
In the New Jerusalem
First Lesson 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Sis. Monica Mattis
Selection
Sis. Kaveen Bartlett
Second Lesson Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Sis. Jennifer Faulknor
Tributes Rev. Michael Isaacs Rev. George Terranova Selection
ANAT Children’s Ministry
Tributes Rev. Hope Chin Tomlinson Sisters - Leila, Melissa, and Olga Pastor Robert Stewart Selection
ANAT Mass Choir
Tributes Rev. Robert Mayou Rev. Leon Bertram Offering Eulogy
Sis. Karen Jones
Musical Selection
All Nations Mass Choir
Message
Pastor Devon Dawson
Prayer of Comfort
Pastor Henry Andrade
Final Viewing Recessional
Praise Team Medley
Officiating Ministers Pastor Devon Dawson – Pastor Winston Stewart
ORDER OF SERVICE JAMAICA Praise and Worship
Opening Sentences Prayer Pastor E. Hinds Congregational Hymn
In The Great Triumphant Morning
First Lesson Ecclesiastes 3:1– 8
Madison & Jonathan - Grandchildren
Tributes Pastor Purcell Pusey Kings Chapel Caryl Isaacs Pastor G. Oliver Barnes Selection
Providence Chapel U.P.C.
Second Lesson Psalms 90:1-12
Dominic & Justin - Grand Children
Tributes Pastor A. Hinds National Sunday School Department UPC National Board UPC Musical Tribute - Jason Tomlinson Tomlinson Brothers - Osbourne, Desmond, Alfred and Basil Offertory Hymn
Death Hath No Terror
Selection
Evangelist Monica Hinds
In aid of Providence Chapel Building Fund
Remembrance Family Member Eulogy Evangelist Lois Jordine Selection
Western District Mass Choir
Sermon Bishop D. Dawson All Nations Apostolic Tabernacle Prayer for family
Pastor R. Edwards
Recessional Hymn
When They Ring The Golden Bells
Officiating Ministers Pastor Frank Kellier - Presbyter Ambrose Hinds - Pastor Purcell Pusey
Musicians: Phillip Henry, Jason Pusey, Stacy-Ann Hinds and Jason Tomlinson
SONGS OF HOPE IN THE NEW JERUSALEM
When the toils of life are over, And we lay our armor down, And we bid farewell to earth with all its cares, We shall meet and greet our loved ones, And our Christ we then shall crown, In the new Jerusalem. Refrain There’ll be singing, there’ll be shouting When the saints come marching home, In Jerusalem, in Jerusalem, Waving palms with loud hosannas As the King shall take His throne, In the new Jerusalem. Tho’ the way is sometimes lonely, He will hold me with His hand, Thro’ the testings and the trials I must go.
But I’ll trust and gladly follow, For sometime I’ll understand, In the new Jerusalem. [Refrain] When the last goodbye is spoken And the tear stains wiped away, And our eyes shall catch a glimpse of glory fair, Then with bounding hearts we’ll meet Him Who hath washed our sins away, In the new Jerusalem. [Refrain] When we join the ransomed army In the summer land above, And the face of our dear Saviour we behold, We will sing and shout forever, And we’ll grow in perfect love, In the new Jerusalem. [Refrain]
IN THE GREAT TRIUMPHANT MORNING In the great triumphant morning, When we hear the Bridegroom cry, And the dead in Christ shall rise, We’ll be changed to life immortal, In the twinkling of an eye, And meet Jesus in the skies.
Refrain We shall all rise to meet Him, We shall all rise to greet Him, In the morning when the dead in Christ shall rise We shall all rise to meet Him, We shall all rise to greet Him, And shall have the marriage supper in the skies. In the great triumphant morning, What a happy time ’twill be, When the dead in Christ shall rise, When the Lord descends in glory,
Sets His waiting children free, And we meet Him in the skies. [Refrain] In the great triumphant morning, When the harvest is complete, And the dead in Christ shall rise, We’ll be crowned with life immortal, Christ and all the loved ones meet, In the rapture in the skies. [Refrain] In the great triumphant morning, All the kingdom we’ll possess, Then the dead in Christ shall rise, Reign as kings and priests eternal, Under Christ forever blest, After meeting in the skies. [Refrain]
SALUTE TO A FALLEN SOLDIER Minister Eglon Tomlinson Every enlisted soldier must accept the fact that every deployment could be his or her last. Such a reality could trigger anxiety and fear, resulting in that soldier’s going AWOL. However, a committed soldier, who is driven by a purpose bigger than himself, will focus on the mission rather than the journey. Minister Eglon Tomlinson was such a soldier. He enlisted in God’s army as a young man and kept his eyes on the mission—winning souls for Christ—not the journey. I am grateful to have known, fellowshipped, and served with Bro. Eglon, both here at All Nations Apostolic Tabernacle [ANAT] and in the New York Metro District. Upon joining our ANAT family several years ago, he and his family quickly assimilated into their new church home. And, as good soldiers do, Bro. Tomlinson immediately sought for opportunities to serve. We are truly thankful for his notable contribution to our ANAT mission, which was demonstrated by his service as lead teacher of our adult Sunday School, zone leader, member of the board of elders, and director of our family life ministries. But, of all these, it was the Sunday School ministry that was in his heart. Bro. Tomlinson’s love for children was evidenced by his unwavering commitment to the children’s ministry, especially at the district level. He firmly believed in building God’s kingdom one child at a time. His presence at and leadership of the Children Evangelism Services at our Annual District Conferences were remarkable. When parents hastily dropped off their children for children’s services, rushing to go to the adult services, Bro. Tomlinson’s open arms received them eagerly. Where some saw challenges, he saw potential. Sadly, Bro. Tomlinson’s tour has ended. He went on his final deployment and fell in the battle of life, but not of faith, on November 26. Minister Eglon fought a good fight and kept the faith to the end. Sister Sonia, Ralph, Geraldine and your extended family, we share in your loss because he was our family too. Together, we will take courage in the fact that death is just the difference between time and eternity. Our brother, your husband, your father and grandfather, and our friend is at rest. Let us honor his life and service by continuing the fight of faith. May you find solace in the arms of the God of all comforts and in the fellowship of friends and your ANAT family. Pastor Devon D. Dawson 89-28 Parsons Boulevard | Jamaica, NY 11432 | Phone ~718-657-7699 | Fax~ 718-657-2722 Email ~ info@allnationsapostolic.org Website ~ allnationsapostolic.org
Tommy-
HE CAME, TO PASS
EARLY LIFE
On June 23, 1949, Elma Ida Waisome-Tomlinson and Landford Tomlinson welcomed a baby boy into the world. In their divine wisdom, and with much anticipation of what his future would entail, they assigned him names that represent both a Biblical king and a prophet who had a heart for the voiceless and oppressed.
Eglon Amos Tomlinson (Tommy) was born at home in Beeston Spring, Westmoreland. The third of four boys for both parents, he was endeared to his siblings, who fondly remember him as small in stature but always balancing more on his neck than his petite frame could handle. He grew up a curious, helpful, protective, and kind boy who had an affinity for gastronomy (he loved his food). He attended Beeston Spring Basic School and then spent his formative years at Salem All-Age School, where he excelled, academically. A devout Christian, Eglon accepted the gospel and was baptized in Jesus’ name at Beeston Spring Apostolic Church as a teenager. He was so committed to his faith that to escape the throes of teasing from his siblings and friends on fasting days, he would often climb a tree and stay there with his Bible. Later on, Eglon developed an interest in plumbing and subsequently enrolled in a program at Cobbler, where he learned and eventually taught plumbing at the Montego-Bay Technical Institute.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Knowing that a life with Christ meant a life with a Christian woman, Eglon met and married Sonia Hinds in 1973. With Sonia, Eglon built a life of sacrifice and commitment. Together, they had two children, Ralph Eglon and Geraldine Althea. Eglon also had two stepchildren, Joy and Horace. Tommy was dedicated to his family and demonstrated unequivocal, immeasurable love for his wife, Sonia and their children. Tommy took great care of his niece and nephew, Kerri and Kaion, when his younger sister, Olga, moved to the United States. He was the kind of man who consistently and unreservedly gave up his own personal comfort for the security, happiness and holistic growth and development of his family. Eglon enjoyed many things in life, but spending time with his grandchildren were some of his happiest moments. He would quiz the younger ones, always in an attempt to teach them something new and for Jason, his eldest grandson, frequent calls about “nothing in particular” were always in order. He was involved in their educational pursuits and imparted much wisdom to them. Jason remembers his grandfather as “the man who could turn a 15-minute conversation into a 2-hour lecture.”
CAREER
Eglon was a voracious reader with a predilection for politics, history, economics, and the Bible. He had an insatiable appetite for the Word of God and was a prolific preacher and teacher of God’s Word. A proactive leader and teacher, Eglon sought to bring God’s word to everyone around him. Even as he worked as an insurance salesman, he would often pass out tracts in an attempt to tell whoever he would meet about the love of God.
He was a very caring human being who had a consummate passion for excellence in himself and others. He was an enduring optimist who was undaunted by the difficult and seemingly impossible challenges of life. He was a visionary who had a keen sense of courage and determination and was skilled at finding new ventures and ideas. He was an entrepreneur at heart, who was always thinking of new, creative, and innovative ways to earn a living. Having studied Principles of Business, Marketing, and Business Management, he was equipped to explore several business ventures. While working in security and maintenance at Mutual Life, Eglon began to learn the tools of the trade of insurance and eventually became an underwriter at Life of Jamaica (SAGICOR). His charisma, drive, and determination helped him qualify for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table Conference multiple times. Tommy was never afraid to take risks or venture into the unknown. Upon emigrating to the United States, Tommy sought multiple ways to earn a living. He was a construction worker for a short while and then he ventured into the world of real estate sales. He spent the majority of his years as a real estate salesman and broker and in his later years, a livery driver.
MINISTRY
Rev. Tomlinson’s involvement in ministry began at King’s Chapel UPC, Montego Bay under the leadership of Pastor Alfred Tennyson Palmer. There, he served as a Sunday School Teacher and then went on to become Sunday School Director. He worked as a Deacon and he later earned his ministerial license via the Western District UPC. In the 1970s, he worked as the Sectional Secretary of the Pentecostal Conquerors Department, Section 5, UPC Jamaica. He then joined the church board of King’s Chapel. As a result of his devotion to children’s ministry, Reverend Tomlinson was granted the distinction as National Sunday School Director in Jamaica. In 1987, after working for several years as a minister at King’s Chapel, UPC, Eglon was sent to lead his own flock in Flankers, St. James. There, he had a vision for a space where those in that troubled community could find peace and sanctity. He presided over Providence Chapel until 1995, when he emigrated to the United States.
When he came to the United States of America, his legacy continued as he worked diligently with the Sunday School and children’s ministry of his church, often advocating for new programs and presenting fresh new ideas for improving the lives of the children around him. He will be remembered for insisting on forming a children’s choir at camp and mustering up every bit of energy to ensure that it was done.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Eglon understood the importance of service to others. Consequently, he dedicated much of his life to serving the underserved and building his local community. While in Jamaica, he served on the executive teams of the then Montego Bay Jaycees, later known as Montego Bay Junior Chamber and the Optimist Club of Montego Bay.
Eglon was so invested in his children’s education that he served as PTA president at two different times for two separate schools that his children attended. He was first PTA President at Corinaldi Primary School, while Geraldine attended and then at Cornwall College, while Ralph attended. Additionally, he was an executive member of the National Association of Jamaicans and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO). He also volunteered at the National Council on Drug Abuse in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Rev. Tomlinson was a friend to many who worked diligently in the service of his fellow citizens wherever he lived.
FINAL DAYS
In October of 2017, Tommy began to experience health issues that later led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. He was determined to beat this disease and worked hard to get through the most difficult phases. He overcame for more than a year, but on November 10, 2018, he was admitted to the hospital. While there, he was constantly surrounded by those who loved him throughout the entire journey. In the days leading up to his death, his daughter noted, “sitting at my father’s bedside watching him fight to stay alive…he has a will to live.” In the final hours of his life, his sister, Olga, reported that, “Eglon Tomlinson is a fighter!” As he lay dying, he still found ways to ensure that his family knew he loved them. He fought through pain and difficulty to leave his wife the final reassurance, with the words, “I love you.” He mustered up the strength to beckon to his daughter to come closer so he could rub her tummy, giving his blessing to his growing grandson. Eglon knew and understood the love we all had in our hearts for him. As he took his final breath on November 26, 2018, love wrapped itself around him and gave him wings.
THE LEGACY
We will all remember Tommy as a loving, caring soul, who always encouraged those around him to strive for excellence. He was a good friend, who loved sharing a meal, especially if it included fish or soup. He loved to eat and he enjoyed coconut water, sugarcane, and soursop juice. If he was done eating and uttered a strong “mmm hmm,” you knew he had thoroughly enjoyed whatever he was eating.
If you were ever close to him or mentored by him, you would be familiar with his “five-year and ten-year plan” speeches. He loved to deliver object lessons and often spoke in parables that once understood, often had a poignant, powerful message that would enrich one’s life. In one of his most memorable sermons, he reminded us that, “sin will take you further than you plan to go and cost you more than you planned to pay.” Eglon was as firm as steel, yet as gentle as velvet. He loved fiercely and counseled wisely. He laughed heartily and prayed fervently. He was a man of principle, who fought feverishly for those he loved. He was a champion for children’s rights and an advocate for the voiceless. He was proud but selfless and calm but courageous. Even as he lay in his hospital bed fighting for his life, he was courageous and tried to maintain a peaceful and calm disposition, assuring his family members that he was all right. He was always in good spirits and at any given moment would shout, “thank You, Lord!” He was an easy favorite of the hospital staff at Montefiore, Moses Division, where he was known for his good-naturedness and positive attitude. In times of difficulty, Eglon would advise us to recall the statement, “and it came to pass,” and encourage us to add a comma after the ‘came’, to fully understand the deeper message: “and it came, to pass.” Even though he is gone on to be with the Lord, he leaves us with a blessed assurance that our grief has come, to pass. Eglon Amos Tomlinson leaves to mourn, his wife of 45 years, Sonia; son, Ralph (Marcella); daughter, Geraldine (Andrew); step-children, Joy (Jeffrey) and Horace (Yvette); grandchildren, Jason, Dominic, Jonathan, Madison, Justin, Shamar, and one upcoming grandson; sisters, Leila, Melissa, and Olga; brothers, Osbourne, Desmond, Alfred, and Basil; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives, friends, and church members who love him. Let us honor his legacy by continuing to strive for excellence in all things, serving others at all times, and by preparing our hearts to meet the Lord, so we can see Tommy again on that great day.
MY DAD – THE GENTLE GIANT My memories of my father are happy and pleasant ones. I consider myself blessed to have had Eglon A. Tomlinson as my father and friend. “Dean,” “Deany,” or “My one and only,” as he affectionately called me, will ring in my ears for years to come. Dad was, indeed, a gentle giant. He was firm but fair, and while he was sometimes rough around the edges, he had a heart of gold. I clearly remember our Bible Studies and prayer meetings at home. Those Bible studies were the best! He knew just how to dissect the word of God to reach the young and the old alike. He has taught me so many life lessons. “Dean, so what’s your five-year and ten-year plan?” was one of his most memorable questions. He taught me to plan ahead and to always have contingency plans, as life can sometimes throw obstacles in our way. Dad was always open to sharing and imparting words of wisdom. He often spoke in parables that would leave us with something to ponder or research, in order to have a deeper understanding. Oh! How I will miss our talks! As I grew older I truly learned to appreciate my Dad more. I enjoyed being able to drive him around and to host him and Mom at our home. I remember taking Dad and Mom to Disney World and seeing him laugh with delight. Of course, Dad adored Madison and formed a special bond with his only granddaughter. I know he was thrilled to have another grandson on the way and he often spoke about spending quality time with all his grandchildren. He instilled great values in us and with the help of the Lord, we will pass them on to our children. As the Apostle Paul so rightly stated in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Dad, I know you are in a better place and one day, I know we will meet again. Sleep on and take your rest, you ran well. I’ll love you forever, Geraldine
MY FATHER – MY MENTOR As far back as I can remember, I was not your average child. I would sometimes do things that would warrant strong reprimand, but the father I had would administer the kind of punishment that would last. I recall one particular time when I did something I should not have done and I was sure I would have gotten the worst possible punishment. However, my father sat me down and admonished me for the error but also counseled me in love. There were many times when this wise counsel seemed more like harsh punishment but as I grew older, I learned that this man was my loudest cheerleader and my biggest champion. A wise man once said, and my father repeated, “By the time a man is old enough to recognize that his father was right, he has a son who thinks differently.” While it is only natural for a father-son relationship to have its ups and downs, I truly enjoyed the journey with my father. He was never fearful of demonstrating his love. Daddy was a genuine man who never relented from reminding us that he loved us. Every phone call ended with “I love you.” Daddy always emphasized the importance of setting goals, but would also indicate that life does not have to be lived in silos, particularly saying that “you don’t have to finish school to serve the Lord.” He would remind me that “nothing is wrong with starting a business while you’re in school.” He reminded me to multitask and to be multifaceted. He was the man who was willing to try his hand at anything that was potentially lucrative or profitable, whether plumbing, raising chickens, network marketing, selling insurance, selling computers, selling chi machines, or working in the automotive parts industry, steel industry, transport industry, and ministry. There was no business too hard for him once he saw a vision. He was unwavering when it came to my education. He was always involved and always made a way for us to have the best resources to work to our potential. He made himself present and known at my schools, even electing to run for and won the office of president of the PTA at my high school during my first and second years. I will always remember that even when he thought things were not possible, educationally—whether because of possible financial hurdles or other obstacles—he found a way. He found a way to give me a chance to be the man I am today. Most recently, I sought his advice on teaching a Bible class. I have always known that my father was proud of all that I have accomplished but after calling to tell him I was asked to teach that class, he sent me a message stating, “Ralph, you made my day with that phone call regarding you being asked to be a presenter at your bible school. Congrats on the way you have conducted yourself, you have made me proud. I hope you can adjust your schedule to take up the opportunity.” Then, on the night that I taught that particular class, he stayed up well past his bedtime as if waiting (in his words) for “election results” of my performance in the class. When I told him, he was as proud as a peacock and it was in that moment that I knew I had made the right decision. They say a girl becomes a woman when she has lost her mother. Well, today I have become a better man, not simply because I have lost my dad, but because he has left me a legacy that includes some important lessons. The most important lesson is how to raise my three sons to become strong men, just like he raised me. Sleep on, Dad. I am your legacy - Ralph Eglon Tomlinson
MY FAVORITE UNCLE Fathers have the task of raising their own children but there are some exceptional fathers who have the gift of raising everyone’s children as their own. Some of those exceptional fathers also make the best uncles and that’s who Uncle Eglon was to me. He has always been a steady force in my life. All my uncles are wonderful men, but this one, this uncle loved me fiercely. I must be the envy of all nieces across the world because if anyone had a chance to see or experience how much my uncle poured into my life, they would want an uncle like mine. Uncle Eglon was there for me as long as I can remember. I spent most holidays at his house, starting at age 5. He had his own children, but I never felt like any less than or as an outsider in his home or his presence. He was golden! When my parents relocated to the United States, he would ensure that as soon as school was out, he was there to pick my brother and me up to spend our holidays with him. He kept us with him for months at a time, making sure that we had a connection to our family in their absence. His home was our home, and he and Aunt Sonia were our surrogate parents for many, many years. He was always sliding me a $5 bill as a teenager, every time I paid him a visit. I can still hear his voice. “Kerriiiii,” he would say, and then he would go on into some diatribe or questioning, or some parable that would leave me in wonderment. If he ever called me and said “Professor,” I knew that I would be assigned some kind of project that related to one of his newest ideas or “plans.” Outside of this, my uncle always, always had a kind, encouraging word for me and he never hung up the phone without saying “I love you, girl!” To date, he is still the voice I hear shouting for me as I walked to the stage to receive my doctoral hood. As I traveled some difficult paths, he would encourage me by saying, “will this make you better or bitter?” I can hear him saying to me, “keep going, Kerri, there’s plenty of room for you at the top.” He was so proud of me and I of him. He was the best advisor and kindest soul. In his final days, he saw me break down, crying as I visited him in the hospital, but he mustered up the strength to comfort me: “Kerri, mi awright! I’m all right, Kerri. Sit down.” I will remember his smile. I will remember June 18, 2018, two days before I gave birth to my second daughter, how he pushed with all his might to come to visit me simply so he could pray over me and my forthcoming labor. When I met my husband and saw how he treated his own nephew, I told him that he reminded me so much of my best uncle, so it was such a pleasure and privilege that he accepted the invitation to walk me down the aisle and stand with my mother to give me away. His last comments about my husband were: “Kerri, Kenny fed me soup. He’s a good man, Kerri.” I’ll remember him with love. I’ll remember his words that always felt like gentle flowers in the wind. He was always so gentle with me. He let me get away with things my father wouldn’t allow. He always raised me up and prayed for me every chance he got. I thank God for all the wonderful memories I’ll carry in my heart forever of my dear, sweet, gentle, and loving Uncle Eglon. God bless his soul. His favorite niece - Kerri-Ann M. Smith
AN ENDURING FRIENDSHIP Meaningful relationships sometimes have their beginnings in odd and unusual circumstances. Ironically, I met Eglon in Ulster Spring, Trelawny, at the funeral service for a mutual friend who had passed away under tragic circumstances. About two years later I was sharing his small apartment at Albion Road, Montego Bay, Jamaica, where I had gone to complete secondary education. For over 46 years it became clear to us that neither time nor distance, and now death, will be able to blur the memories of the friendship we share. One of my early recollections is of the influence and impact he had on me in my early teenage years. I noted that early in the mornings and at nights, he would become intently engaged in Bible reading and prayer. I concluded as the years went by that he had a strong desire and hunger for the word of God, a quest for knowledge, as well as a desire to find purpose and direction for his life. He was an avid reader and eagerly shared his reading list with me. His diligent mindset, results-focused activities, and quest for excellence were part of his early preparation for life. Eglon shared his personal dreams and aspirations for his life and family with me. As the years went by, his family was my family and my family was his. To me he was a friend, to my sons, he was Uncle Tommy. My sons recall an incident which occurred in their preteen years. They washed his car without his approval and after he found out, he gave them J$2.00, only to discover that they were being paid not to try again. Eglon and I studied together, worked together, traveled long hours to do ministry together, and served our community together. I also cannot forget the entrepreneurial projects. We won some and we “learnt” some… Many persons thought that we were brothers. As the years went by our relationship taught me a deeper understanding of the story of David and Jonathan. Eglon was confidential, caring, and trustworthy. I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend for his kind words of encouragement in those moments when I needed it most. I owe a debt of gratitude for his constant reminder that there was and is greatness in me. I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend for his unwavering support to me and my family. Despite his undaunted optimism, Eglon experienced pain, disappointment, and frustrations which came as a result of …“just life”. Despite the challenges, he knew how to have fun. He enjoyed laughter and good music. Alas, he could only listen to music. I recall trying to teach him to play the drums and after some attempts, he walked away in frustration and said, “man dis a nuh my ting yah, man”. One of his favorite pastime was to hang out at a fish hut and be served steamed fish, bammy, and okra. In the midst of his delight he would smile and comment that Sonia, his wife, would be cooking at home. Such was my friend. The unexpected colours the picturesque landscape of life. The memories of Christmas day 2017 are still etched in my mind. He lay motionless on his hospital bed when I walked in. When he saw me, his face shone as if his world had just gotten to the softer and crimson side of the sun at dawn. When he was released from the hospital, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with him. Our silence spoke volumes. The most impactful moments were those spent walking with him to and from the car as he went for treatment. The wind was fresh, the temperature intense and freezing cold. My friend, once thought of as being gifted in speed walking, was now slow and almost immobile taking one step at a time. Each step was long in coming. Despite being badly shaken by my new experience, I felt privileged that I stood by him in those moments when he needed me. It was one of life’s defining moments. Months went by and we kept in touch. Then things changed. The memories of him asking for me in his last few days when he was barely coherent, will always be a reminder…we all need a friend! Michael Isaacs
WHAT’S DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST
Death is an event that none of us who are alive has experienced but the loss of a loved one brings us grief which is also an event that is unfamiliar until we have to deal with it. We may anticipate our reaction if someone close to us passes. However, we can never be fully prepared and it is possible we may be devastated when it does happen because we know that we will not see this person alive on earth again. Eglon Tomlinson, “Bro Tommy”, or “Bro T” has been known to me for all my Christian life since 1969 and over the years he has never changed. He has always been calm and collected. I have never seen him angry or even flustered, the most you may hear from him in times of any trouble or disappointment is “O, Lord!” We grew up in a church which was called ‘the pickney church’ because Tennyson Palmer (former & founding Pastor) started Kings Chapel with children. Persons like Eglon and many others of us were the “pickneys”. We worked closely together when he was the National Sunday School Director and I was the Program and Promotions Director. During the twenty years we worked together it was a delight. He was never ‘telling’ but “suggesting’ you try another way and he would explain why. He was an ‘Encourager and Influencer’ and he himself was willing to learn from us. He was a true Christian man on a mission and always purpose-driven. We were always in touch. About four weeks ago I received a call from him and although I found the conversation pleasant, it felt like a father checking up on all the children and their activities. He asked about every pending matter in Jamaica (everyone, everything and life in general). I asked him about himself and his health and he said he felt good and that he went to church a few weeks ago and he was doing well. In ending the conversation he asked me a question about his son and wanted to know about a pending matter he was related to. I say all of this to say I felt that I might not see him again although when the conversation ended he said “see you soon”. I have no doubt that he is gone to a better place. By faith I know that for a child of God death will be an absolutely thrilling experience! The song writer says “Only one life so soon it will pass, only what’s done for Christ will last” – I do believe he lived his life for Christ. To his family I say, as you grieve remember that grief is not an event but a process. You will always be remembering him because memories don’t leave like people do, they stay with you. So, although he is gone from you, the life he lived is still an inspiration. So long Bro T! - Rest in peace - Mavis Ferguson
PALLBEARERS NEW YORK
Ralph Tomlinson Andrew Buckle Kaion Smith Horace Christian Michael Isaacs Zachaeus Smith
(Son) (Son-in-law) (Nephew) (Stepson) (Friend) (Friend)
JAMAICA At the Church Ralph Tomlinson (Son) Basil Tomlinson (Brother) Alfred Tomlinson (Brother) Wayne Tomlinson (Nephew) Osbourne Tomlinson (Brother) Jeffery Hall (Son-in-law)
At the Graveside Ralph Tomlinson (Son) Errol Hinds (Brother-in-law) Jason Tomlinson (Grandson) Andrew Buckle (Son-in-law) Michael Smith (Nephew-in-law) Ambrose Hinds (Brother-in-law)
INTERMENT
Dovecot of St. James Memorial Park Orange District, Montego Bay St. James, Jamaica “I’ll rise again, ain’t no power on earth can tie me down. Said I’ll rise again, death can’t keep me in the ground.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENT Professional services provided by David Williams Funeral Service – New York, USA Madden’s Funeral Home – Montego Bay, Jamaica
Concept Design & Editing Annette Taylor-Spence 954-439-5615
Graphic Design & Layout Shawn Ferguson Gracious Grafx Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016
Printing Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org 305-651-9696
IN HIS OWN WORDS... Eglon’s tribute to Pastor Wray - expressing gratitude for her service, guidance, and mentorship. It was in September of 1968 that I stopped by the Beeston Spring Apostolic Church one night at age nineteen years and heard the gospel of Jesus Christ preached for the first time. I came under the influence of this great woman of God and her husband Bro. B.V. Wray and the rest is history. Bro. Wray became a father to me, like Paul was to Timothy. He taught me how to read the word, to pray in faith, and how to resist temptation. Over the next five years he would feed me as though I was at his side even though I had gotten a job and moved to Montego Bay within three months after getting baptized. Pastor Wray was diligent and cared deeply about my soul, so she followed me to ensure that I found a home church that preached truth and had Bible standards. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30-31. Because of the passion, love, and devotion of this dear Servant of God, I was privileged to walk in the pathway of holiness. Your son in Christ – Eglon Tomlinson
THANK YOU
The family of Eglon Tomlinson is grateful for every kind word, your calls and text messages, gifts, prayers, and your presence. We thank God for you and for all the ways you have expressed your love. May the Lord bless you as we continue to demonstrate the love of God in action.