Ambassador Sent: June 27, 1947 Ambassador Recalled: February 22, 2022 Saturday, March 19, 2022; 11:00 a.m. First United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic), Inc. 3280 North State Road 7 Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319 Officiating Ministers Bishop Izett Scott Bishop Royston Tracey
Hyacinth
THE FLOWER
My little hyacinth sitting on a shelf It looked a little lonely, I bought it for myself Now every day I sing a song to help it grow It won’t be long before it blooms And fills my rooms with spring
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My Girlfriend... MY LOVER…
My Wife
M
y wife Hyacinth was a warrior Queen who has helped everyone in need. She was a good wife, a great mother, a grandmother of eleven, and a great grandmother of seven. Hyacinth gave her all and did her very best when it came to raising and supporting her family, even when times were rough. Hyacinth stood strong on every occasion and never gave up on her family. She said family came second place in her life. Hyacinth did everything she could to help her children, but she also took the time to show her appreciation for others. Occasionally, she would take time out of her busy schedule to raise children who were not birthed by her and she received God’s richest blessing in return. My wife travelled the Caribbean and she participated in several church fund raising events and other church ceremonies. She did her part to help those who were living in harsh deplorable conditions. On February 22, 2022, no one was expecting the day to come so quickly. I will miss my wife. She was a strong lady who fought life’s battles to the end of her days.
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My Beloved MS. HYO!
M
y mom, Hyacinth, was born in a povertystricken district in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica. Before reaching her teens, she heard the word of God preached by Missionary Christiana Clarke-Tracey. She believed and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by Bishop Henry McKoy and not long after received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Hyacinth loved God and his people. She studied and memorized the scripture and attended services regularly. From the Bible she learned that Jesus Christ was Lord over her life and she was fearfully and wonderfully created by God. This reinforced her father’s words that “she was a beautiful black woman.” He called her his black Queen. Daily, Johnnie Green - her father, would build her confidence and compliment her complexion, which to him was perfect. The words of her beloved father strengthened her resolve to grow beyond the confines of negativity. Hyacinth, like any other child born to poverty, desperately needed the assurance that poor children were worthy of praise, recognition and the need to be appreciated. She found that assurance in the words of one of her favorite church hymns “I Trust In God”. Hyacinth was warm, she was intelligent, and she was compassionate. She was honest, and demanded honesty; she was loving and distributed love; she was beautiful and beautified the atmosphere around her. She really was like the Hyacinth plant after which she is named. The Hyacinth is a bulbous plant of the lily family, with strap-like leaves and a compact spike of bellshaped fragrant flowers. Hyacinth is the flower of the sun god Apollo and is a symbol of peace, happiness, and love. My mom craved for peace, love, and joy in the home, church, and elsewhere. When you begin to smell the Hyacinth plant, then you know it’s spring time! Like the flower, mom brought the freshness of spring wherever she went. One of the things her children and grandchildren admired most about her, was that she desired to improve their lives. She did not want them to settle for mediocrity. We need not try to define her legacy, because she has defined it for us all. She has left a dynamic story for us to diligently follow the journey of her life. Hyacinth 6
trusted God and she instilled in her family and friends that trusting God is the most important direction on our earthly journey. It is common to speak of mothers as a force of nature. Hyacinth would most certainly qualify for that designation. There never has been a more generous humanitarian in the history of the Caribbean, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and amongst Jamaican people. Hyacinth’s relentless generosity has influenced her community. We are all fortunate to have known her and we can learn from her.
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” (Martin Luther King). Twelve reasons why I love my mother… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
You loved my father. You taught me to love people regardless of who they are. You disciplined me. You’re one of the few persons who believed in me. You made me feel loved and safe. You gave of yourself to raise your three children and never gave us away. You called your children daily even when you had nothing to say. Thank you! You introduced God to your children. You loved God and trusted him. You’re my mother. You taught me there is room in my heart to forgive people who hurt me. You taught me to write my own story!
With love: Sonya Edwards - Daughter
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Order
OF SERVICE
Moderators - Bishop Izett R. Scott & Bishop Roystan A. Tracey Processional Instrumental Opening Prayer Congregational Hymn Until Then Scripture Reading Carlesha Bailey Psalm 34:1-4 Granddaughter Song
First Triumphant Church Choir
Tribute
First Triumphant Church Representative
Tribute Bishop Ronald Cameron Heaven Bound Apostolic Scripture Reading Job 14:10-14
Monique Hamilton - Niece
Scripture Reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Missionary Patricia Easy
Praise & Worship Medley I’m Not Sorry; He Lifted Me Up; In The Rock I’ll Hide Keep Me True Lord Jesus; I Want To Go To Heaven And Rest Family Tributes Lynett Green-Ross - Sister Douglas Bailey – Son Song Daciann & Laurieann Robinson Granddaughters Congregational Hymn Jesus Hold My Hand Open Tributes Limit 2 minutes each person Song Loreena Bailey Great granddaughter Eulogy Sonya Edwards – Daughter Sermon Pastor Winsome Young Prayer for the family Recessional
Evangelist Raphael Rodney
Jesus
HOLD MY HAND
As I travel through this pilgrim land There is a friend who walks with me Leads me safely through the sinking sand It is the Christ at Calvary This would be my prayer, dear Lord, each day You help me do the best I can For I need Thy light to guide me day and night Blessed Jesus, hold my hand Blessed Jesus, hold my hand I need Thee every hour Through this pilgrim land Protect me by Thy power Hear my feeble plea O Lord, look down on me When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet You there Blessed Jesus, hold my hand Let me travel in the light divine That I may see the blessed way Keep me that I may be wholly Thine And sing ‘Redemption’s Song’ some day I will be a soldier brave and true And ever firmly take a stand As I onward go and daily meet the foe Blessed Jesus, hold my hand Jesus, hold my hand ‘Cause I need Thee every hour Through this pilgrim land Protect me by Thy power Hear my feeble plea And O Lord look down on me When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet You there Blessed Jesus, hold my hand When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet You there Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.
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“A mother is she who takes the place of all others, but whose place no one can take”. Cardinal Mermillod
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n June 27, 1947, Johnnie Green and Matilda Gray welcomed a baby girl into the world, whom they named Hyacinth.
For those of you who are not aware, hyacinth is a flower which symbolizes peace, commitment and beauty. The hyacinth flower is often found in Christian churches as a symbol of happiness and love. This epitomized our Mom. Hyacinth Yvonne Green-James was the fourth of eight children. Her parents ensured that she and her siblings were given the opportunity of an early education. They were taught the importance of becoming independent adults. After her early education, she pursued studies at the St. Ann’s Bay School of Business where she learned basic skills in business. This factored in her love and interest in serving her community, so she later became the owner of a small business in St. Ann. After many years of traveling the Caribbean doing business, Hyacinth decided to migrate to the USA. Being the ambitious, exemplary, and driven person, she was, Hyacinth pursued a career as a certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This was her
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main source of income during most of her years in Florida. She worked very hard, sometimes long hours, to maintain her independence. Her hard work brought her much love and respect from the people she served as well as those with whom she worked. The year 1991 was very special for her. It was the year she decided to walk down the aisle with the love of her life Zedekiah James. The two remained committed to each other for 31 years, until February 22, 2022, when they were parted by death. Hyacinth was blessed with three children Douglas, George, and Sonya. She never fell short in letting us know how much she loved us. We were privileged to have her as a mother. She made numerous and selfless sacrifices to ensure we had a good life. She was a very patient and compassionate person. She cared greatly for everyone who crossed her path. It was important to her that everyone around her was happy and nurtured, and she would go out of her way to bring a smile to your face. She was not just our mother but a mother to many of our friends, and other relative’s children. One of mom’s best attributes was that she was a committed born-again Christian woman. She enjoyed and willingly served in her church. She filled various capacities, especially in the Sunday School and Missionary departments. She was also very active in outreach and other ministries. Hyacinth is survived by her husband: Zedekiah; Children: Douglas, George, and Sonya; Grandchildren; Omar, Duran, Koda, Darnell, Tash, Daciann, Laurieann, Tejay, Toni-Ann, Aalijah and Carlesha; Great grandchildren: Deandra, Prais, Riquelme, K`alee, Loreena, Ariell and Giovanni; sister Lynette; brother Aston, John, Keith, Vincent; nieces, nephews, aunts, other relatives, church family and friends. In closing, I will use this quote by Thomas Campbell, “To live in hearts we left behind is not to die.” Our Mom’s favorite quote was “Trust God”. Ms. Hyo will always live in our hearts. She will never be forgotten. We are assured that her soul is resting in peace. Mom, your legacy lives on in your children and in your children’s children.
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Thank You MAMA
There are so many things that I wish I had thanked you for more often when you were alive. Thank you for always believing in me time after time. Even when I gave you no reason to keep believing in me and every other sane person had given up long ago. Thank you Mama. Thank you for instilling your compassion and kindness towards all living creatures. Thank you for allowing me to bring home stray or homeless children and adults to our home for a meal. My bleeding heart for people came from your example. It is one of the greatest qualities that I inherited from you Mama. It is also one of the biggest burdens yet it brings out the best in me… thank you. Thank you for making me strong. You always reminded me that I don’t need anyone to be successful, or to be happy, or to take care of myself. Thank you for teaching me that I am capable, resilient, and independent and that I am enough all on my own. I will carry that strength with me every single day from now until death, Although, if I’m being honest, I definitely felt stronger when you were alive and here to remind me of my own strength. I miss our nightly talks. I miss the way that you would always answer the phone, “Toney!” I miss talking about everything and anything with you. I miss your voice Mama. It just hurts so much knowing that you can’t talk back. Even if I don’t talk to you every day or write you letters…just know, I miss you so much more than I ever thought it could be possible to miss someone.
I love you, forever and always Mama… From Toney 12
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My Cousin
MISSIONARY JAMES
My cousin Evelyn died the afternoon of February 22, 2022. She had for years endured kidney disease and thrice-weekly dialysis treatments. I won’t reveal how many years. Most people knew her as Hyacinth. Several of us, though, routinely called her Evelyn. She was my first cousin. Evelyn was precious, beautiful, natural and strong. Everyone knew she had a flair for fashion. She was known as a particularly good cook. Based on her flower gardens, I think maybe both her thumbs were green (her maiden name was Green.) Evelyn, I miss you calling for our daily conversations on the phone. I’m not sure how it’s going to be because you and I have parted ways. We don’t talk these days because your earthly journey ended. It’s bitter sweet but I’m not mad. I am happy that you chose the path you did. You created your own footsteps instead of walking in someone else’s as you chose the path of Jesus. I just wanted to end this tribute saying that you were more than a cousin to me. Like a sister we shared love and so much more, such as mangoes, avocados, and some real nice brown stewed fish. Rest in Jesus my cousin – Bishop R. A. Tracey
To Aunt EVELYN
A virtuous woman, that’s who she was to me. I am grateful for the support I got both financially and spiritually during my primary and high school years. My father was never around but I cannot remember her saying anything bad about him. I admired her passion for God and love for her family. I enjoyed visiting her on weekends and holidays at the sunrise Supermarket that she owned or at her home in the scheme. She was fun to be around and a wonderful role model. We are all saddened by her passing but the angels in heaven are rejoicing. You have ran your race well and kept the faith. May your soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine on you. Melrose Green
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Thank You
The family of Missionary Hyacinth James wishes to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone who came from far and near, and all of those who participated in these few weeks. Without your help and support it would not have been the same. We are thankful also for whatever you did to contribute to the earthly journey of our dear Hyacinth. Again, thank you for your continuous support, prayers, and may God richly bless you. Professional Services Entrusted to MC White’s Funeral Home (Because Family Deserve The Best) 3501 W. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954.584.0047 Interment Family Plot, In Belfield Runaway Bay St.Ann
Pallbearers Family and Friends
Printing Concept Design and Editing Pentecostal Tabernacle Annette Taylor-Spence Int’l, Inc. Love CareFronting, LLC www.PenTab.org 954.439.5615 305.651.9696
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Art Direction and Layout Gracious GraFX Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com info@graciousgrafx.com 305.928.4439
Jesus Calling DEVOTION PRAYER
You need me every moment.
Your awareness of your constant need for God is your greatest strength. Your neediness, properly handled, is a link to God’s presence. However, there are pitfalls that you must be on guard against: self-pity, self-preoccupation, giving up. Your inadequacy presents you with a continual choice - deep dependence on God or despair. The emptiness you feel within will be filled either with problems or with God’s presence. Make God central in your consciousness by prayer continually: simple, short prayers flowing out of the present moment. Use God’s name liberally, to remind you of HIS Presence. Keep on asking and you will receive, so that your gladness may be full and complete. Hyacinth kept this note close. She read it often and shared with her family as a reminder to depend on God.