Jennifer Clarke - Celebration of Life

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Memories...Of the way we were...

Mem’ries...Light the corners of my mind Misty water-colored memories Of the way we were...


Memories... Lyrics by

Elvis Presley

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine

Quiet thoughts come floating down And settle softly to the ground Like golden autumn leaves around my feet I touched them and they burst apart with sweet memories, Sweet memories

Of holding hands and red bouquets And twilights trimmed in purple haze And laughing eyes and simple ways And quiet nights and gentle days with you

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine, Memories, memories, sweet memories


Memories of an exceptional mother... Mikhail

W

ords cannot express how much mommy is missed. I could not have asked for a better Mom. She was loving, tender-hearted, protective, sincere, and filled my world with loads of fun and laughter. For her, there was a time for everything and she knew how to master all her roles. She took her time to mend my toys when they got broken. She took her time when correcting my homework. She took her time sewing torn clothes or designing new ones for us to wear. She took her time to observe my rude behaviour and would only smile as she sent me for daddy’s belt.

Mom was a lovely and adventurous cook of all sorts of cuisines of which I could never be satisfied. On many occasions she took forever to arrive at the dinner table because she took her time to prepare the delicacies. Sometimes a fabulous ham stuffed with cloves, or pot roasted oyster chicken with cheese and herb stuffing, maybe baby back ribs in garlic sauce, or even fried eel, or escovitch Banga Mary would arrive at the table after 8:00pm for Sunday dinner. When mom went shopping at the grocery store she paid attention to details by reading the back of labels. As kids, we would sometimes wear our sweaters to stores because she spent hours paying attention to details. She was the jack of all trades in our family. The stylist...mechanic…teacher...plumber...interior decorator... doctor…nurse…vet...comedian...preacher…counselor...accountant and five star chef. Most importantly she was a MOTHER. A mother I will always have high regards for. A mother that never gave up. A mother that began to take the bumpy back seat ride for me. I asked her often why and she would simply smile and reply “because mi love unnu and mi see the future in you.” I love you mom and may your sweet soul rest in peace.

Mem’ries, may be beautiful and yet What’s too painful to remember We simply choose to forget


My mother...my friend... Anya Mom, Your undying strength of character is a gift that you have left with me. This gift is one that I have to unwrap as I go on to face the days without you. Your selfless determination to find solutions to meet my mountains is unforgettable. You guided me with loving care as I grew into the person you taught me to be. Today, I have precious memories of you my mother. I will take them with me and hold them close for the days ahead.

So it’s the laughter We will remember Whenever we remember... The way we were...

My other mother

Kenya

You were the other mother I gained when I wed your son. Words cannot express what a beautiful soul you were. Those special memories of you will always bring me a smile. I love you and you will remain in my heart forever. Rest in Peace Miss Jen.


Remembering the family circle... Clive

Gone but will never be forgotten. Your quiet strength and gentle spirit will remain with me for a lifetime. You NEVER forgot my birthday....that was special. You have left behind a legacy of love that I pray will live on through your family. Rest in peace big sis. Augil Jennifer was a real big sister to me and always treated me as her little brother. I had the task of doing her shopping at the market every Saturday morning and I recall I had to buy exactly what was on the list (she was that meticulous). She was a kind person and always showed me love. She always had words of encouragement for me. May your soul rest in peace my sister.

Dorren

Jennifer - my sister, friend, mother, lawyer, doctor, my everything! I miss you dearly. I miss your smile, your thoughtfulness, and your kindness…especially towards my children. You will remain in our hearts. I will never forget the way we playfully argued with each other,your good advice, your positive encouragement, and most of all your LOVE. I know you are in a better place now sis. I will always love you. I know you are resting in peace.

Sharlene

My sister was never too busy to give a listening ear. She always wore a sincere smile that would brighten up your day. I will certainly miss you my sister.

Andre

You continued to share your strength through your positive demeanor, your infectious smile, your special laughter, and your undaunting spirit. I am forever strengthened and appreciative of your stern yet comforting words of wisdom – just like Mama...

Julan

Mom left us early and being the eldest, she didn’t think twice about assuming the role of mother figure to the younger siblings. For that, we have always felt tremendous love & affection for our big sister Jenny. The bond between sisters is so strong that it cannot be broken even by death. Rest well, I will miss you dearly.


Remembering the family circle... THE WAY I FEEL They say there is a reason They say that time will heal But neither time nor reason Will change the way I feel For no one knows the heartache That lies behind my smile No one knows how many times I have broken down and cried I want to tell you something So there won’t be any doubt You’re so wonderful to think of But so hard to be without Author unknown

Esmie

Sharon

Garth

Janet

Clement

Ransford

(not pictured) Patrick, Thalia, Donna, Caro

Jennifer will be remembered in love by all her siblings


Order of Service Praise & Worship Opening Sentences Congregational Song Great is Thy Faithfulness Prayer Rev. Tashika Clarke (Cousin) First Lesson Donna Evans (Sister) Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 Tribute Friends of the hospital Musical Tribute Family Second Lesson Clive Hamilton (Brother) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Tributes Chamber of Commerce (Black River Chapter) Ensom City Holiness Christian Church Combined Choir Milton Clarke (Brother-In-Law) Black River Holiness Christian Church Offertory Hymn The Lord’s my Shepherd (Tune of the Happy Wanderer) Musical Tribute Annmarie Laing Remembrance Annette Taylor-Spence (Friend) Musical Tribute Anya Clarke (Daughter) & Friend Eulogy Mrs Eugene Baker Musical Selection Holiness Christian Church Choir Sermon Rev. Althea Mc Farlane Prayer for the family Rev. Trevor Headley Recessional Hymn We’re Marching To Zion


Songs of Praise and Comfort GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

THE LORD’S MY SHEPHERD

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed thy hand hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

He lives, He lives I know that my redeemer lives, He lives He lives, He lives within my heart

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 will be.

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! Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed thy hand hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want. He makes me down to lie In pastures green; He leadeth me The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again; And me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness, Even for His own Name’s sake. Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, Yet will I fear no ill; For Thou art with me; and Thy rod And staff my comfort still. My table Thou hast furnishèd In presence of my foes; My head Thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows. Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me; And in God’s house forevermore My dwelling place shall be.

WE’RE MARCHING TO ZION

Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the throne.

This awful God is ours, Our Father and our Love; He will send down his heav’nly powers, He will send down his heav’nly powers, To carry us above, To carry us above.

The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Before we reach the heav’nly fields, Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets.

We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We’re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God.

There we shall see His face, And never, never sin! There, from the rivers of His grace, There, from the rivers of His grace, Drink endless pleasures in, Drink endless pleasures in.

Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground, To fairer worlds on high, To fairer worlds on high.

The God that rules on high, And thunders when He please, Who rides upon the stormy sky, Who rides upon the stormy sky, And manages the seas, And manages the seas.

Yea, and before we rise, To that immortal state, The thoughts of such amazing bliss, The thoughts of such amazing bliss, Should constant joys create, Should constant joys create.


Scattered Pictures

Of the smiles we left behind...


Smiles We Gave To One Another For the way we were


The Circle of Friends

Tomorrow is never guaranteed to anyone...young or old Today could be the last time to see your loved one Do not wait...do it today in case tomorrow never arrives You will be sorry you wasted the opportunity today… To give a smile...a hug...a kiss… Sorry you were too busy to grant your loved ones last wish. For those of us whom you gave the time and the opportunity to share, to laugh, to cry and to just sit and reflect... It was a privilege to be a part of this circle of friends. Those moments and memories will be in our hearts forever. By Fern Spencer on behalf of “The Circle”

Jennifer - affectionately called “Jen Jen”, was true and genuine. God ordained her to be virtuous from before the foundation of the world. Words cannot explain how valuable this woman was to her children, her friends, and to the community of Black River. However, just like the wind, people come and go; staying only for a while on the face of the earth. Although it is hard to accept, we have to take it like a bitter medicine. As for me, “Quessie”, I will cherish the memories of this wonderful, adorable, virtuous, God-blessed, heaven-sent woman. Many are falling by the wayside but this wise woman fell in love with Jesus Christ. I will always be grateful to God for her life. Dignity and principle were her motto. I will live my life according to her principles. I will let it be a part of me every day like the gospel of Jesus Christ. Farewell Jen Jen! Your name will continue to be called for as long as I live: My children will also remember your kindness even after I am gone. May the Lord God of heaven and earth be with you until we meet again. Andrew Quest


Gone but not forgotten...

Resting in Jesus In the arms of sweet deliverance Gonna’ lay my heavy burdens down And with my Lord I’ll abide When at last my travelin’ days are done In the land somewhere beyond the sun In the arms of sweet deliverance I shall rest by and by

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (Revelation 21: 4-5)


At The Graveside WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of His resurrection share; When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Choruses

Interment Logwood Cemetery

No Grave can Hold my Body Down Better Days are Coming We Shall Have a Grand Time

Black River, St. Elizabeth

Pall Bearers

Church to hearse

Clive Hamilton (Brother) Ransford Evans (Brother) Clement Evans (Brother) Andre Remikie (Brother) Augil Remikie (Brother) Patrick Evans (Brother)

Hearse to grave

Mikhail Clarke (Son) Andrew Quest (Friend) KamarWalker (Nephew) Ifoma Walker (Nephew) Kevin Hamilton (Nephew) Phillip Clarke (Brother-in-Law)


Acknowledgments Thank You...

We are extremely grateful for the heartfelt outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. If you sent flowers – the sweet aroma was a healing balm. If you sent a card, text, or made a call – your words ministered to our soul. If you stopped by to share our grief – your presence was comfort in a time of need. If you gave of your time and gifts in any way – we felt the hand of Jesus extended. If you interceded in prayer on our behalf – we have felt the comforting hands of God enfolding us in His peace. For all the ways that you have reached out to us, we want to say thank you from hearts that have been blessed by your love.

The Family

Professional Services Provided by Brown’s Funeral Home Black River, St. Elizabeth (876) 965-2060

Program Layout & Design

Shawn Ferguson of Gracious GraFx www.GraciousGrafx.com | (954) 515-9016 Fort Lauderdale, FL

Printing

Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org | (305) 651-9696 Miami Gardens, FL


It’s me again Lord... Reflections written by Annette Taylor-Spence

It’s me again Lord - Let us reason together I have walked this road before Been through days that seemed like forever Nights when the burden was great and grief was more When I wrestled with you - thought you did not care It made no sense that I should suffer such loss But you constantly whispered - Take my hand I am here And I kicked and screamed - not hearing you in the midst of my fuss Well! It’s me again Lord - This time your hand I hold I have learned to follow and leave everything in your control I can face this trial being confident and bold At your feet my burden I place - as you I extol So! It’s me again Lord - you plucked another flower Left within me a void - another I will never fill But this time I understand - I submit to your power My baby you lent me - to be taken back at your will In life I grieved much - because I loved much But you gave me a comforting touch I have a hope that is alive We will meet with you on the other side So - Here I am again Lord This time I am coming home To reconnect that silver chord This earthly realm no more to roam So here I am again Lord – this is my final prayer Mikhail and Anya need you – hold them close now and forever


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