from Jennifer Lewin

Mommy, mommy, mommy… some know you as Cheryl, Big J, Sis. Jen or Sis. Jennifer, but you will always be known to me as my mommy. My partner in crime, my rock, my heart. Before your ailments, you were my personal ATM, my private chef (best cook I know), personal chauffeur, my doctor without a MD or PhD and Lawyer with no license to practice. I can’t thank you enough for being my mom.

In 2019, I was able to do all these in return. I had the responsibility of taking care of you; cooking, cleaning, taking you to doctor appointments etc. It was not an easy task, but I know if the roles were reversed, you would have done the same thing. I Thank you for the prayers you covered us with. As a single mom raising two children, you moved away from family to make sure we would have a better life. Thank you for the countless nights putting aside your needs to make sure that our wellbeing was taken care of. I am thankful for the God you served and all you taught us; it will continue to live in us. Thank you for your patience with us. Thank you for the times at your lowest, you still made a way out of no way for us. Thank you for your UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! Even in your illness, you were concerned about us eating, making payments, and making sure we had gas in the car to make it to work on time. I would jokingly say, “don’t worry about that mommy, I got this. I’m your mom now”, but with your witty self, you would quickly say, “I gave birth to you, and you always remember that”.

I promise I will never forget. We will always remember how lucky we were to have known you as our MOM! Whenever I am missing you, I will also remember how fortunate I was that you were in my life. I would not trade those moments for the world.

Mom, sometimes I wish you could come back, but I don’t want you to suffer again. I know you are with me, and I will always love and miss you with ALL MY HEART. Keep resting in the hands of the Lord, until we meet again.

Your one and only daughter - KerriAnn (Miss.Francis)

There was a time that I could not imagine having to lay my mother to rest. The idea that I’d be left, to withstand the journey of life and navigate the perils of the world, without her was hard to grasp. How could I do this? My mother was someone who was a natural born survivor. She navigated most of all obstacles with a ‘fear nothing’ approach, dead set on achieving ‘best case’ scenarios. She could make anything happen; an ability I observed from a young age. However, it was harder then to appreciate the lengths she would go to make sure my Kerri and I were well taken care of. She had such a pure heart. Anyone she knew that needed help, with anything, she never missed an opportunity to act whether the need was spiritual, financial, or emotional. My mother was someone who indulged in acts of service, I’d say it was her love language. I grew to understand in life that not many are as gracious.

My mother worked hard. I remember her working two jobs at one point. This meant on some days I saw her in the morning as she got us ready for school and not again until late at night. At a younger age, it was hard to understand the sacrifices of her working hard, but it all lends itself to the story of my mother’s will power.

Every day I was with my mother from I was younger to now, she never missed an opportunity to make a smart joke, it could be at the expense of a stranger, myself, herself, or another loved one. No one was safe; this was her way of spreading joy. She liked to keep everyone around her in great spirits. She also always had a witty way to teach me a lesson. She knew I was hard-headed but she was firm and tough enough to keep me in my place. I knew my mother loved me, because of the love I felt from her every day. However, just to make sure I knew, she showed off her amazing skill as a cook and made the greatest food I’d ever taste in my life. If you knew my mom you would know I’m not lying! Although I’m being light hearted I only do so because of my inherited gleefulness.

Suddenly, I feel on this day I have all the answers to my doubts. My mother wasn’t only living life and getting by. She was leading and instilling in us the qualities and characteristics that make taking life ‘head on’ a fight that’s not a fight. I thank God every day for making the woman who raised me. Mother, I thank you for loving me, teaching and guiding me every day. You are the reason I am the man that I am today. I strive to make you proud still to this day. Everything I know about having will power, doing good for others, working hard and making sacrifices, I learnt from you. I have humor and keep joy and happiness in my life because of you.

I love you mom, your “One Son” Kalavint

“Our Life is a Magnificent Tapestry woven with threads of joy and sorrow, triumphs and challenges, love and loss. It is a journey that each of us embark on, filled with countless experiences that shape who we are”.

On September 12, 1954, a precious baby girl was gifted to the world. Jennifer Lucia Waldron (AKA Cheryl), was born to proud parents Thelma Louise Walker and Dudley Shadrach Waldron, (both preceded her in death). Jennifer’s journey began in the idyllic countryside of Stony Hill, St. Andrew, Jamaica W.I. Growing up, Jennifer was a unique, independent, and outgoing child. She was always exploring and getting into things.

Her early education began at Stony Hill Infant and Primary School. She was very curious, articulate, and a quick learner. In 1960, Jennifer relocated to the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica, to reside with her mother’s sister, Aunt Maude. During her early teens, she rejoined her mother in May Pen, Clarendon, where she continued her education at May Pen Secondary. Jennifer became a regular Sunday school member at Bethel Temple Apostolic under the leadership of the late Bishop Nathaniel A. Higgins and First Lady Olga Higgins (Sis.Doll) her cousin. It wasn’t long before Jennifer accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized in His precious name for the remission of her sins.

Jennifer was devoted to her walk with Christ and passionately sought the infilling of the Holy Ghost. She would not let anyone, or anything, stand in her way. She received the Gift of the Holy

Ghost in a rather unique and unforgettable way. When Jennifer and her sister Joy visited their father in Kingston, one of her cousins learned that she was now a Christian and mocked her saying, “Gwey! You a no Christian, but you a grease can.” Jennifer did not take this teasing lightly and was very upset at the taunt. This incident sparked something in her; she realized she needed to receive the Holy Ghost to help her with self-control. She returned home to May Pen with great enthusiasm to be present for tarrying services. While kneeling at the altar, fervently tarrying and seeking the Holy Ghost, she had a flashback of her cousin saying, “She is not a Christian, just a grease can.” The story goes that Jennifer got visibly upset again. In answer to her prayer, the Lord filled her with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and she spoke in tongues as the spirit gave her utterance. She sought God and He answered her and did not allow the devil to steal her joy.

In 1971, Cheryl, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, migrated to the United States of America to join her mother and siblings in Stamford, Connecticut. She enrolled at Stamford High School to continue her secondary education, but shortly thereafter realized that she was not a fan of the harsh New England winters. Cheryl purchased a large suitcase (grip) and packed all her belongings with full intentions of returning to Jamaica. Somehow, by the Divine act of God, she reunited with her childhood friend Dawn Hopwood. They spoke of her plans to return to Jamaica; Sis. Dawn suggested a different idea: to come back to Florida with her, instead. Jen took Dawn up on her offer and was pleasantly surprised by the Florida atmosphere. She loved the abundant mango trees, and felt Florida was just like Jamaica, so she decided to stay. Jennifer called her mother and informed her that she would not be returning to Stamford nor Jamaica but would be residing in her new home, Florida. Over the years Jennifer and Sister Dawn’s friendship blossomed. They both attended and graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1974, where they studied finance. Shortly after graduating, they both gained employment as Tellers for Sun Bank.

In 1973, Jennifer and Sis. Dawn discovered and fell in love with a local church, Banner of Love Apostolic Church, located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, under the leadership of the late Bishop L.N. Richards. During her time at the church, Jennifer’s true passion came to light, and it was evident that she loved working with young people. As foundational members of Banner of Love, Jennifer and Sister Dawn concluded that there needed to be a service that catered specifically to young people. They presented the idea to Bishop Richards who eagerly agreed and gave them the seal of approval to inaugurate a Youth Ministry. Jennifer wasted no time and immediately began recruiting friends and loved ones to participate and together they inaugurated the Youth Department, and the inception of weekly Young People’s Service. Jennifer made many other notable contributions to Banner of Love and was a pivotal member of this congregation. She remained a faithful servant at this location for 31 glorious years.

Jennifer then embarked on a new journey to start a family and in 1989 she married S. Lewin. On June 28, 1990, the couple was blessed with a beautiful baby girl whom they named Kerri-Ann Shemika Lewin. Kerri brought so much joy to her entire family and was such a happy baby, but Jennifer knew she needed a companion. The companion arrived on January 21, 1992, with the birth of a son, Kalavint Sean Lewin. Kala, was an even-tempered baby and just like his sister, was loved by all. With her family now complete, Jennifer was in her happy place, and devoted much of her time to raising her children.

Jennifer was brave and she loved to drive. She seemed to know everywhere in Florida and beyond. When folks needed a ride, Jennifer came to mind. She was known all over for her no-nonsense approach to driving. She loved to dress and had a flair for fashion. She ensembled and wore her clothes well with confidence. Everything had to match from foundation to outer. She also loved to dress others.

In October 2003, Jennifer’s employer offered her the opportunity to explore a new job opportunity in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she accepted on a trial basis. She wanted to ensure that this was the right fit for her family, so for the first three months, she traveled back and forth between North Carolina and Florida. Jennifer grew to love the city of Charlotte, and though it was a hard decision to make, she eventually accepted a full-time position and moved with the company. In January 2004, Jennifer, Kerri, and Kala moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. One of her first priorities was to find a new place of worship and after attending a few different churches, she settled at The United Pentecostal Church (UPC) of Charlotte. Jennifer was welcomed with open arms and a warm reception, so she knew this was going to be the perfect place to continue her walk with Jesus Christ. If you knew Jennifer, then you know that she was a social butterfly, so naturally, it did not take her long to make friends. She met and bonded with Mother Russell, Sister Pearline, and the late Sister Violet, just to name a few. She also occasionally visited Calvary Christian Church of the Apostolic Faith Inc. in Charlotte, where she met and befriended members from that assembly as well. She cultivated lifelong friendships with members from both congregations and these friends became honorary aunts, uncles and God Parents to KerriAnn and Kalavint.

In 2016, Jennifer returned to Florida to be with her mother, Thelma during her final days in the physical world. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and sought treatment. While her treatment was initially successful, she experienced a setback and suffered a stroke and required assisted care. Her sister Yvonne selflessly stepped in and took on the responsibility as her private nurse and caretaker. Yvonne was an integral part of Jennifer’s life and provided continued care for her until July 2019 when Jennifer moved back to North Carolina. Though it was unknown at the time, Jennifer’s sister Yvonne was also not in good health and was called home to be with the Lord one week after her sister’s return to North Carolina. This was not easy for Jennifer to overcome, and her health suffered even more.

Jennifer resided in North Carolina during the last days of her life in the physical realm and was cared for by her children KerriAnn and Kalavint, and her niece Sequoia. Though they did not have much knowledge of being a caretaker, they adjusted their daily schedule to ensure continuous care of their mother and aunt.

Jennifer was a fighter and although her health was failing, she was still very witty and did not miss an opportunity to pass a smart comment or remark along with a side eye and a kiss teeth. She loved to shop and wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to stop by the mall or any shopping center. She also loved driving and would be the first to volunteer during road trips. Jennifer was known by many endearing nicknames. Among her nieces and nephews, she was just Jennifer, not Aunt Jennifer because she was the cool, fun aunt. To her nephew Mark she was Big J, to her friends she was Cheryl and to her church family, she was sister Jennifer. Regardless of what name you choose to call her, she was loved by many.

On June 2, 2024, after a brief stay in the hospital the Lord called Jennifer home. Well done my good and faithful servant, it is time for you to take your rest and retire to a place where there will be no sickness, no sorrows, and no more pain.

Cheryl leaves behind her precious children: Kerri-Ann and Kalavint; Sisters: Gloria, Joan, Paulette (Lemuel) and Evlyn (Glen); Brothers: Oscar (Cynthia) and Dudley; 12 nieces and 10 nephews; two aunts and a host of cousins, family, friends, and church family.

“I am the Resurrection and the Life, Anyone who believes in me will live even after dying.”