Euphemia Lee

Saturday, April 23, 2019 11:00 A.M. Pentecostal Tabernacle West Palm Beach 6024 Lakeworth Rd., Green Acres, FL 33463 Howard Aarons - Pastor S. Robert Stewart – Senior Pastor

Bearing FRUIT

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5: 22-23

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Life’s

JOURNEY

8.8.1947 - 3.12.2019

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2: 3 & 11-13 Mrs. Euphemia Lee, a devout Follower of Christ, was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on August 8, 1947. “Mother Lee” (as she is called by many), is the oldest of nine siblings by her mother, Edna March. At the tender age of eight, Mother Lee was sent to live with her Grandfather (Papa) in the “country” in the town of John’s Hall, St. Catherine, Jamaica. Due to this relocation, Mother Lee was forced to learn about hard labor in order to survive. She was forced to wake up early mornings to work in the field and then return to do housework. This lesson and experience, at such a young age, helped her in her later years to do whatever it took to survive and to provide food and shelter for her children.

After leaving John’s Hall as a teenager, Mother Lee relocated to Old Harbour. Having only a third grade education and no skill, she had to take on jobs such as domestic cleaning, field work, factory work, and the selling of goods in the local market in Old Harbour. She was blessed with five children - Sammy, Ken, Ian (AKA Steve), Andrew, and her youngest daughter, Shericka. Mother Lee was married to Alrick Lee on August 21st, 1985, who later passed away on August 5th, 1996.

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In August of 1992, with the help of her son, Mother Lee was able to migrate to the United States.

She saw this as an opportunity to create a better life for herself, her children and many others that she wanted to assist. Mindful of her limited third grade education, Mother Lee saw it necessary to further her education. She attended the Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations in West Palm Beach, Florida where she gained qualification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Full of drive and ambition, and with her new afforded opportunity in the US, Mother Lee landed several jobs over the years and worked very hard for a better future. In doing so, she was able to build a home in her hometown of Old Harbour, Jamaica. She was also able to send her youngest daughter (Shericka) to St. Catherine College and purchased a home in West Palm Beach, Florida. In addition to these accomplishments, Mother Lee assisted countless individuals in the United States, back home in Jamaica, and many other places across the globe. She is what you call a quintessential giver.

Of all the gifts that Mother Lee gave, the greatest gift that she shared with all who she came in contact with was her love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Her journey to Christ began in 1976. Due to many disappointments and challenges in life, Mother Lee was left hurt, lonely and broken. At this point, she decided to lean on Jesus Christ to mend her brokenness. She began to attend the Church of God of Prophecy in Old Harbour, Jamaica.

Mother Lee’s Journey to Heaven

On a Sunday morning in July of 1976, Mother Lee was on her way to church when her neighbor and friend, Thelma Prendergast, said to her “Miss U, why don’t you come to church with us?”

Mother Lee rejected the offer but Mrs. Prende would not take no for an answer. Finally, Mother Lee succumbed to the pressure. She attended Christ Refuge Temple Apostolic Faith in Old Harbour, Jamaica, with Mrs Prende and her sister, Bernice Dawes.

When Mother Lee heard the preaching of the Oneness Doctrine, which states that there is but one God, a singular divine Spirit; as stated in Deuteronomy 6:4, she was amazed. This was in sharp contrast to what Mother Lee had been exposed to, which was the doctrine of the Trinity.

The latter falsely claims that there are three distinct eternal persons in the Godhead. After hearing the Oneness Gospel of Jesus Christ, Mother Lee was pricked in her heart. On August 28th, 1976, she was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and later received the gift of the Holy Ghost on October 28th, 1976. Her experience was similar to that of the early believers on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:4.

Throughout the many years of unconditional devotion to Christ at Refuge Temple Apostolic Church, Mother Lee served as Sunday School Teacher, Missionary Secretary, and as a Mentor to many.

When Mother Lee migrated to the United States in 1992, she continued her ministry and worship at the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOL JC) in Riviera Beach, Florida for about eleven years. At COOL JC in Riviera Beach, she was Missionary President, Fund Raising Coordinator, and the director for the Senior Choir. Since 2011, Mother Lee has been worshipping at Pentecostal Tabernacle of West Palm Beach under the leadership of Pastor Aarons. She was a faithful member of that assembly until her passing.

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Although Mother Lee migrated to the US, she continued to assist her church back home in Jamaica.

Prior to her departure, she told her Sunday School Department to hold on to the faith and continue to stand for holiness. She was pleased when she learned that one of her Sunday School Students, Oniel Pusey, had developed into a thriving minister of the faith and is currently an elder. Mother Lee’s passion was to always lead people (young and old) to Christ. Her passion for Christ was real! Although she was a very comical woman, with a great sense of humor, she never joked or wavered in her love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Even when she was bound to a wheelchair and at times not feeling well, she still attended church services weekly.

Mother Lee once said, “I know the Lord loves me, despite what I’ve been through, hardship, sickness, abuse, and much more. I know that Christ deeply cares for me. The bible never said that serving Christ would be a bed of roses, in fact, there are nine parts to the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) and I know that the fruit that I received is longsuffering. Yes I am a wounded soldier but I will be a true soldier and die at my post. Let us not stand in the sinners’ way, let’s crucify the flesh and walk in the spirit and be transformed and be not conformed to this world.”

Today we celebrate the life of Mother Lee, a soldier for Christ. She never wavered, never looked back, embraced holiness, embraced Oneness and embraced longsuffering because of her love for the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Children

HER

RISE UP...

“I thought of you with love today.

But this is nothing new.

I thought of you even yesterday And days before that too.

I think of you in silence I often speak you name......”

The woman you called Miss U, Miss Lee, Miss Martin or Sister Lee was who I called mom. A hilarious human being with a contagious laughter. Mom was strong, brave, independent, and ambitious. She Loved nice things and was not a cheap-stake. She was very peculiar and sensitive with regards to hygiene and cleanliness. Mom was a great chef in her own rights. Her friends and church family were her life. Very family oriented, her kids and grandchildren were the apples of her eyes. A little stern at times, mom’s model of discipline, manners, and respect were off the old model. As an evangelist, she loved the Lord dearly and did not compromise when sharing the gospel.

What an awesome mom! For the nine months she carried me, growing inside of her, the real cost of her love was no charge.

Mom, I will always love and cherish you in my heart. Now may your heart find comfort as your soul rests with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forever.

Your loving son Ken. My mom was a kind and loving woman. Although she had her miserable ways, she was very kind to me and her grand kids. At times it would be easy to take her the wrong way, but if you know her, you know how to take her.

She has had a long battle with so many challenges since I was a kid, but she never gave up. One thing was sure, she loved her Jesus and nothing would stop her from worshipping him. I know that she’s resting peacefully now and I will forever love her and miss her.

I Love you Momma!! Sammy.

Mummy, there are not enough words to describe your love for me and also my love for you. The way you cover me with your prayers and your sincere dedication to your church have brought me up as this Christ-loving person that I am today. Tough love is the way I would also describe you. You raised me to be a powerful woman like yourself.

I love you so much mummy. My heart will not let you go.

From your one and only daughter Shericka.

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Blessed

...AND CALL HER

God created male and female. He created the male to be the protector and the provider for the female. Throughout my mom’s life, she has not had good protectors. This is why in 1976 she turned to Christ to be her Chief Protector. With God now being her protector, He helped her when she was helpless and defended her when she was defenseless. He heard her cries when she felt oppressed and He healed her when she was wounded.

With my mom now under the protection of Christ, she used this shield to protect her children and those who she came in contact with. My mom was a giver, a prayer warrior, a long-sufferer, a lover of people, a follower of Christ, and a true woman of God. “Mom, the tears that I’ve shed since your passing are not tears of joy; they are tears of disbelief and remorse. I know that you are resting peacefully and you are in the presence of Christ, because the bible says so (2 Corinthians 5:8). However, Miss U, I was not prepared to lose you, but the Lord knows best.”

I love you Mom! Ian (AKA Steve)

• My loving mother…you lived a life that directed others toward heaven.

Heaven, the Kingdom where you now dwell. You taught your family and friends how and what it means to love Jesus. You taught them this is how they would save their souls from hell.

• The strength in your faith is the kind of strength that every Christian should strive to have. Your faith in Jesus was unwavering!

• You are a Loving, caring, unselfish, and loyal mother, friend, grandmother and Christian. You are truly a solider of Christ. You loved your church!

You were devoted to your family and to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

• Today we honor your faith and your life with bitter sweet memories. We will hold you in our hearts until we meet again in heaven. Each of us have been touched by your grace, your faith, your love, and kindness. No one can replace your presence on this earth.

• We will continue to honor you by seeking to get closer to God. We will devote our lives to being better brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, uncles, and aunts. To being more loving to our families, and better to our friends and all of God’s children.

• As you walk among the angels in heaven, we ask that you continue to guide us with your wisdom and continue watch over us with your everlasting love. Until we meet again.

Your loving Son Andrew.

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Grandma’s GARDEN

My Darling grandma, you are taking a little part of us with you as you follow your angels who will guide you to your precious place. May you look down on us with pride on what you brought into this world with your guidance, in which you are now truly an angel of grace.

My Darling grandma as you enter your new heavenly home, may you rest in peace for which you truly deserve, for you will be truly missed and remembered for your love and honor in which we will preserve.

We love you always and forever and forever‌ and may God be with you.

Love Nikkie

In times like these, words are hard to put together.

But my grandmother was a phenomenal woman and mere words won’t do her enough justice in explaining how wonderful of a woman she was.

She was a giver, she would give you her skin if she could, and she loved unconditionally, no matter what. “Golden Grandson” was the name she gave me. Every time I spoke to her she made me laugh, even when she was not at her best (physically) and even when she wasn’t in a laughing mood. My grandmother was a prayer warrior, a fighter and I am definitely a living testimony that prayer works. She also prayed for her entire family continueously and for that, my Grandmother will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in paradise my sweet grandma. I Love you. Your Golden Grandson, Shomari.

Order OF SERVICE

Opening Remarks

Pastor Howard Aarons, Pentab WPB

Congregational Song

Living Where The Healing Waters Flow

Opening Prayer

Bro. Walker

Scripture Reading John 14:2-4; Revelations 21:4-8

Andrew Simmonds, Son

Musical Selection Oh What a Sunshine

Men’s Choir, Pentab West Palm Beach

Tribute

Pentab West Palm Beach Ladies

Musical Selection I’m a Glad Pilgrim

Combined Ladies Group (WPB) Pentab, Banner of Love, Miracle House of Prayer

Tribute

Bishop Neville B. Currie Refuge Temple Apostolic - Old Harbour, Jamaica

Congregational Song

I’ll Fly Away

Honoring Miss Lee

Video Presentation

Musical Selection I Won’t Complain

Ann Richards, Pentab Miami

Family Tributes Cleon March, Brother Shericka, Ken, Andrew; Children Musical Selection Too Much to Gain to Lose

Pentab Miami

Eulogy

Ian Simmonds, Son

Message

Pastor Howard Aarons

Prayer for the Family

Pastor Robert Stewart

Recessional

When we all get to Heaven 10

LIVING WHERE THE HEALING WATERS FLOW

I’ve cast my heavy burdens down on Canaan’s happy shore, I’m living where the healing waters flow; I’ll wander in the wilderness of doubt and sin no more; I’m living where the healing waters flow.

My hung’ring soul is satisfied with manna from above, I’m living where the healing waters flow; No more I thirst, the rock I’ve found, that fount of endless love; I’m living where the healing waters flow.

Refrain

Refrain Living on the shore, I’m living on the shore, I’m living where the healing waters flow; Living on the shore, I’m living on the shore, I’m living where the healing waters flow.

I’m singing “Hallelujah,” safely anchored in my soul, I’m living where the healing waters flow; I’m resting on His promises; the blood has made me whole; I’m living where the healing waters flow.

Refrain

With Israel’s trusting children I’m rejoicing on my way, I’m living where the healing waters flow; The cloudy fiery pillar is my guiding light today; I’m living where the healing waters flow.

Refrain

I’LL FLY AWAY

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away; To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away; Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away) Chorus

Chorus I’ll fly away, Oh Glory I’ll fly away; (in the morning) When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away; To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away) Chorus

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus Sing his mercy and his grace In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place

While we walk the pilgrim pathway Clouds will overspread the sky But when travlin’ days are over Not a shadow, not a sigh Chorus

Chorus When we all get to heaven What a day of rejoicing that will be When we all see Jesus We’ll sing and shout the victory

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Onward to the prize before us Soon his beauty we’ll behold Soon the pearly gates will open We shall tread the streets of gold Chorus

Memories FOND

“In life, I loved you so dearly, In death, I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, that no-one can ever fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of me went with you, the day God took you home.” We Miss u… Submitted by Cleon March (Brother)

“Miss U - Our Sister” Very early one August morning, Miss Edna gave birth to a 7lb baby girl and named her Euphemia. She was also the first of nine (9) other children. So important she was that even as a child she was called “Miss U”. As the last of mama’s children, naturally I was the last to know her, and at that time she really was an adult and should be called ‘Miss’.

How do I remember my sister? A big beautiful woman with a heart just as big. She was kindness and helpfulness personified with a great sense of humor and a wonderful infectious laugh that identified her anywhere.

She was industrious, encouraging, and inspiring: always striving for better. A better life, a better education, a better home, better for her mother, her children, and her friends. Anyone who knows her also knows of the sharp tongue she had. Many times her siblings felt the effect of that tongue, only to be forgiven later on.

The last time I visited her, I clearly remember her reminding me that “a me put you inna you first dress now you believe you a big woman.” Miss U will always be remembered.

Valrie and Sonia March (Sisters)

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Even though today is tragic and such a sad event, we can celebrate Euphemia Lee’s life and speak about her achievements and our fond memories with a smile on our faces. “Miss U” as family members fondly call her, used to refer to me as her “bunununous”, her “one in a million”, and her “platinum” sister-in-law. I usually just smile as I knew it was her way of saying “I love you and I am proud of you”. We had a special bond ever since she came to live with her brother and me soon after arriving in America to settle. Euphemia was a Christian woman who loved God. Euphemia was a kind and very compassionate person who cared a lot for her friends and family. She enjoyed cooking and loved to entertain. Nothing gave her more pleasure than to feed you.

Her life had many obstacles, and she struggled for many years with “hard times”, raising her children, and dealing with different illnesses. I have tried to be a good sister to her. Sometimes being there just to talk with her and to listen was enough. I will always remember Miss U, and the times we spent together.

Her memory will live on in my heart forever. Dr. Annmarie March (Sister-in-law)

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True

A

FRIEND

“PRAISE THE LORD” is our greeting, He is always first. Mother Lee was always available to share an encouraging word and a helping hand for those in need. Mother exemplified the scripture in Matthew 25 vs 34-40.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:… …And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Mother Lee stayed on the battlefield for the Lord. She enlisted her children and all the saints around her who meant business for the Lord; we were foot soldiers for the Lord. Our beloved Mother not only showed us the way to eternal life, she lived it before us. I thank the Lord for the privilege of knowing this servant of God who took an active interest in my life and my husband’s life. Though her presence will be greatly missed, Mother has been translated from the labors of this life to sweet rest.

Missionary Carol Braithwaite.

I met Sister Lee 25 years ago on a job where she came to relieve me. We hit it off right away and became best of friends; she became my big sister.

We spoke about everything; she encouraged me about being a Christian and to serve Christ and let him be the center of my life. She always told me don’t just go to church. On the day she passed, she called me at 11:30 a.m. but I was not able to answer. She left me a message that said “I was just thinking about you, God bless”. She was always encouraging me.

Sleep on my dear beloved friend and take your rest. I hope to see you again but not in the near future. Esme Ricketts My friend Mrs. Lee, it has been more than twenty-one years since we have known each other. You have taught me a lot and I just want to say thank you. Your death was sudden; I was not expecting it. I am going miss your phone calls and my trips by your home to check on you. The Lord knows best and we must trust Him. You are probably looking down from heaven up above, sending out smiles with days of sunshine and showers of love.

May your soul rest in peace my dear friend Mrs. Lee. Cislyn Campbell (Miss Dell)

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Sister Lee, since we have come in contact God has put a bond between us that has never been broken until now. You were friend in need and in deed. May your soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine over you. Sister Lera Leslie

Mother Lee was a mentor to me; encouraging and caring at all times, sharing and teaching the Word of God. Mother Lee was a trusted counselor and a constant guide in my life. She was a mother to my children and me. Mother Lee was always there to give me Godly advice, emotional support, and motivated me when life seemed upside down. Mother Lee was an awesome role model. I will forever miss her sweet singing voice and the ray of sunshine that she was. She will be sadly missed.

Sister Leonie Gordon

To me she was Ms. U or Sis Lee and we go way back in time!

I met her in 1975, we were sisters in Christ from Refuge Temple Apostolic Faith in Old Harbor, St. Catherine, Jamaica. We later also worshipped at Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in Riviera Beach, Florida. Those were the good old days: singing and shouting in Jesus’ Name.

For many years until the very end, Ms. U and I spent countless hours talking, laughing, and singing on the phone until late in the night. We would also share many moments reminiscing about the goodness of Jesus and where we are coming from. One of our favorite songs to sing was “Get on the Glory Road Heaven is now in view”. God saw her getting tired for her work here on earth was ended, so he put out His arms and whispered “come my child”. A golden heart stopped beating. She was a dear friend to me.

I will just stay with Jesus until we meet again. Goodbye Sis. Lee; sleep on and take your rest.

Missionary Bernice Dawes and Alecia Trudy Dawes

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Acknowledgments

The family of Euphemia Lee wishes to express sincere appreciation for your prayers and various acts of kindness. We give God thanks for you. You have been a source of strength when we were weak and gave comfort when we were downcast. Your prayers have undergirded us and helped us to navigate this path.

May the Lord continue to bless you.

The Family

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS Shuler’s Memorial Chapel 5301 N Australian Ave West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 561-8824255

PALLBEARERS

Pentecostal Tabernacle Miami Men’s Ministry

Craig Mapp Dwayne Stewart Alex Jiron Marcus Solomon Earl Nichols Quincy Jones

INTERMENT

Royal Palm Memorial Gardens 5601 Greenwood Ave West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 848-8659

REPAST

Pentecostal Tabernacle West Palm Beach 6024 Lakeworth Rd., Green Acres, FL CONCEPT DESIGN & EDITING Annette Taylor-Spence Love CareFronting 954-439-5615

PRINTING Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org 305-651-9696

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GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT Shawn Ferguson Gracious Grafx Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016

Get on the glo ry road, heaven is now in view ‘Though the ro ad be rough at times Jesus will carr y you through Holding you b y the hand leading you th rough the land Get on the glo ry road

If I walk in th e pa If I work till th thway of duty, e close of the day, I shall see th e great King in His beauty When I’ve go , ne the last m ile of the way .

When I’ve go ne the last m ile of the way I will rest at , the close of th e day; And I know th ere are joys th at await me, When I’ve go ne the last m ile of the way .

The Memorial Keepsake A Production of

Gracious Grafx & Love CareFronting