Order of Service Opening Remarks
Pastor Randy Neilson
Hymn
Blessed Assurance
Opening Prayer Scripture
Psalms 19 Marlon Brown (Grandson) Natalie James (Granddaughter)
Hymn
Great is thy faithfulness
Scripture
Eccl. 3: 1-3 Yvonne Clarke-Galloway (Daughter)
2 Corinthians 5:5 Selena Stuart (Great Granddaughter)
Revelation 21: 3-4 Natasha James (Granddaughter)
Offertory Hymn Eulogy
Ryan Elliott
Message
Pastor Randy Neilson
Solo
Marie Critchlow
Just Over in Glory Land
It is Well with Soul
Prayer for the Family Recessional Hymn
Hymns of Praise Blessed Assurance
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Great is Thy Faithfulness
“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 wilt be. Refrain “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! 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!
Hymns of Praise It is Well with my Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain: It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!— My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.
Precious Memories
Precious Memories
Tributes To have a woman teach you how to be a man and live without bias. To love unconditionally. The world is different having had you in it. To touch so many lives and be the direct cause for the life we share and the light we shine. Family life and love are to be cherished eternally. Guidance through all endeavors and infinite peace as we rest in........ Randy McLennan
A LIMB HAS FALLEN A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again. Tanya Brown
Tributes I thank you Lord for choosing “Mama” as she is affectionately called, to be my mother. I would also like to thank the Lord for the wisdom He had given unto her that allowed her to be the kind of mother she was to us. A mother that was strong, loving, gentle and kind. If I must say, I would not have wanted it any other way. Mom, you have loved and cared for us in your own special way, and for this I say, “Thank you.” Thanks mom, both you and my siblings, for the many sleepless nights and for staying up late with me, to comfort me when I refuse to fall asleep. Thank you for teaching my siblings the way that I should be held so that I would not be dropped and hit my bald head (smile). This they would do on numerous occasions so you would be free to make those beautiful dresses for your clients. Thanks for the times you cared for me when I was sick. Through it all you never complained. You did what needs to be done to make sure that I was comfortable. Thank you for teaching us about the Lord and for ensuring that the seed of righteousness was planted early in our lives. Thank you for always providing for us, using very little and making it much. You have your own unique way of doing things and how you wanted them to be done. One of your famous catch phrase is “Do it once and do it right!” Mom, you taught me how to be the person that I am today, from the lifestyle you lived, to your strength and quiet humble ways. You are the best mother one could ever ask for. I will forever miss you and I will never stop loving you. Jennifer Evans
Remembering
Josephine Cassandra Myrie James
The world welcomed Josephine Cassandra Myrie (affectionately known as Cissy), to Arthur and Colina Myrie on December 1, 1921 in the district of Morant Bay, St. Thomas, Jamaica. She was born the sixth out of ten children, and was the eldest girl child. Being the first girl to be born into the family was a happy time for everyone, but her dad Arthur took his happiness to another level. He was so elated over the fact that it was a girl that he had forgotten where he was standing and he fell over the balcony of their two-story home and broke his arm. Josephine attended Morant Bay primary in St. Thomas and went on to attend Kingston Technical Institute, where she graduated and later worked as a book-keeper which was short lived. Josephine’s mother had a belief and that was; aside from education, a child should also have a skill. So, Josephine was taught the skills needed to become a seamstress and how to play the piano, both of which she mastered. Josephine later became one of the most coveted seamstresses of all time. Everyone from near and far would come to have their clothes made by her. Customers could be seen filing through the pages of the latest Sears catalog and the many other clothing magazines that could be found near her machine. Not only could she sew well but she was also gifted. The use of a template or pattern was never used by her. Josephine would take a look at the style given or shown to her and she would recreate it for her clients. Creating and recreating masterpieces of clothing items had become a way of life for her. Josephine’s religious roots traces back to Bethel Gospel assembly in Kingston where she was a member. A treasured nugget, a devote Christian, quiet in nature and loved by many. Her passion for the Word of God, the things of God and the people of God were evident to all who knew her. Her presence was magnetic. It was hard not to be drawn to her. Josephine was rarely absent from a church service. She could be seen on many occasion going to worship on Sundays and mid-week Bible studies, and whenever there is convention, she would be there with bells on. Conventions were her favorite.
On May 20, 1944, starts a new chapter in Josephine’s life. She met and later married the love of her life, Jacob James. The union produced six children – Yvonne, Pamela, Melford, Jennifer, Jacob Jr., and Walton. In 1976, she migrated to Canada to be with her second eldest daughter, Pamela. Not many days hence, she was employed as a nanny by Dr. Lloyd McDougall to take care of his daughter Christie, where she served for many years. She was later employed a second time in the same work field to Ralph Mclean to care for his son Steven. After many years of service in this area, Josephine finally retired as a public servant but went on to spending more time in the company of her own grandchildren imparting words wisdom in their lives as shed had done for many others over the years. As time went by, Josephine developed osteoarthritis, and as a result she lost the use of both her legs. The level of care needed to keep her at her best was of the utmost importance to us as children. After numerous discussions and prayers, collectively we have decided to place her in the careful hands of the Peel Manor Nursing Home. It was not easy at first but as time goes by it got easier as we were comforted knowing she was receiving the daily care only they could have provided. Her last years were full of joy and excitement. Peel Manor had now become her new ‘home away from home’ but that had not stopped her from doing the work of the Lord. She took pride in sharing God’s word to those who would listen, praying for the members of staff and her fellow residents and passing out Bibles and devotional regularly to those in need. Even though she no longer able to attend the services at her own local assembly, that did not stopped her from fellowshipping with the many saints from the various denominational churches that would come to the nursing home on Thursdays and Sundays to minister the word of God. Her famous quote would be, “As long as they are preaching the word of God, I’m going to attend.” On July 28, 2017, God’s faithful servant was called home to be with Him. Her passing had left a gaping hole in the lives of those who loved her, but a reminder that this world is not our home. Josephine Cassandra Myrie James had left a legacy of love and compassion that will last for years to come. As we pause to look back over the legacy she have left, it stirred the memories we hold dear as we recognize that a very precious and priceless nugget had been taken from us. In the midst of sorrow however, we rejoice for the life that she had lived, a life that glorified God. Mama, Mummy, Josephine, Cissy, we will always love you and you will forever remain dear to our hearts. She is survived by her six children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and one surviving brother – Frank Myrie. Josephine, for the torches you have lit in Jamaica and Canada, we your children promise to keep them burning until we see your smiling face again.
Tributes Remembering Josephine Cassandra Myrie James
Today, is a sad day for all of us. We say goodbye to our beloved matriarch, Josephine Cassandra Myrie James, and we will all miss her dearly. I want you to know that it is okay to let yourself break, and allow your heart to hurt. However, we must choose to stay positive to ensure that we are well for the ones we love, and the ones that love us. For they depend on us, just as we depended on Josephine. Growing up, Grandma always played a part in my life. However, I could always count on two things. Grandma’s classic cooking and pocket money to go to the corner store for chocolate bars. On Saturday, I could count on chicken soup for dinner. On Sunday, there would be saltfish & fried dumpling for breakfast before church and oxtail or curry goat with rice peas for dinner. Each night before bed, I knew she was saying a prayer for all of us as I listened from my room. I could hear her open her bible and quietly read. She would then open her hymnal and hum delicate notes to the angles above to watch over all of us. That’s all. Simply love. The retirement home that Grandma belonged was the next chapter in our lives. I can still remember wheeling Grandma out to a piano in the lounge and asking her if she thought it was okay for me to give my girlfriend Tisha a promise ring. Grandma was a story teller and a prayer warrior. Whenever I would leave our visit, she would hold my hand say a prayer for me and my family with her whole heart. There was something about her prayers that left a mystic aura with me that remained until I lay my head down for bed. I later realized that Grandma did not have much to give with our visits as time went on, so the stories she would tell about her growing up was my tie to my heritage to the early 1920’s and I will never forget it. Choose to reject any regret you may have to not have been able to say any last farewells. The devil will use this tool to try and deter you from the love and special moments you enjoyed with Josephine. Choose to accept that it is time for a new chapter in Grandma’s life. It is time for her to be home at the right hand of God to watch over us. Be thankful knowing that resilience is intrinsic in our DNA. Trust that Grandma will hold the gates of heaven open for you and I. Psalms 90:10 (King James) says: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if because of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Choose to celebrate Josephine’s life because she devoted it 100% to serving God and was awarded bonus time on earth. Ryan Elliott
Tributes Ms. Joe, as I called her, always reminded me of my grandmother who raised me until I was 11 years old. Maybe that is why we connected the very first time we met 10 years ago. For 4 years straight, I was Ms. Joe’s primary care giver, but I soon became much more than that. I was her confidant. If anything was bothering her, she would share it with me. She also talked lovingly about her family and how blessed she felt to have a family who loved her so much. As she reminisced about her sister who passed away when she was young, tears filled her eyes. She told me she never meant to stay in Canada, but the doctor who she was working for did not want her to leave. He spoke to the immigration and got her to stay. Ms. Joe and I had a special connection. I loved her very much and I know she loved me too. She told me I was her 7th child. She was a considerate person. At Christmas time, she got me to write cards to all the staff who cared for her and I would deliver the cards to them. Ms. Joe was a God fearing woman who was always praying for her family and me. She always left a “Daily Bread” booklet for me to read. I enjoyed combing her hair as we talked about various things. She told me that she sometimes had premonitions of thing that may happen. She told me earlier this year that she felt something was going to happen. I told her that I hoped she was not planning to leave me. She sighed and said, “Me pickiny dem think me a go live for ever.” Ms. Joe, I feel very fortunate to have met you. I got a second mother and grandmother and I will forever remember all her prayers, thoughts and Jamaican ways. I will surely miss you, but I know you are with the Lord and resting in a better place. Cheryl Robinson
Graveside I Come to the Garden Alone I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear The Son of God discloses. Refrain And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
Refrain I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me be falling, But He bids me go; through the voice of woe His voice to me is calling. Refrain
He speaks, and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.
I’ll Fly Away Some bright morning when this life is over I’ll fly away To that home on Gods celestial shore I’ll fly away I’ll fly away, oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away When the shadows of this life have gone I’ll fly away Like a bird from these prison walls I’ll fly I’ll fly away I’ll fly away, oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away Oh how glad and happy when we meet I’ll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet I’ll fly away 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 oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away Just a few more weary days and then I’ll fly away To a land where joys will never end I’ll fly away 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
God’s Angel by: Melissa Tucker How do I say this And where do I start Everything hurts Especially my heart It hurts me so much That I can’t see you anymore I wish I got to say my goodbyes Before you walked into God’s door It makes me feel better You’re an angel in heaven You are happy and at peace And one day see you again I miss and love you deeply And I try not to cry But I know I’ll see you later So this is not my goodbye Sacha Evans
Pallbearers To the Church
Marlon Brown Sr. Grandson Charlie Myrie Nephew Jacob James Jr. Son Melford James Sr. Son Leonard Elliott Son-in-law Randy McLennan Grandson
From the Church
Mychal James Grandson Marlon Brown Jr. Grandson Shaquille Brown Grandson Hue Bryan Grandson Shawn Bryan Grandson Kevin Richards/Dillon Stuart Great Grandson
Hearse to the Grave
Lincoln Myrie Nephew Tony Myrie Nephew Melford James Jr. Grandson Ryan Elliott Grandson Fabian James Grandson Neuefville Brown Son-in-law
Acknowledgment Thanks
The family of Josephine Cassandra James would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in attendance for your sacrifices being here. We appreciate all the calls, the lovely cards, and those who sent their condolences, most of all we greatly appreciate all the support you gave during her illness. To us you all are a tower of strength during this difficult time.
We thank you all
Interment
Brampton Memorial Garden Chinguacousy Road, Brampton, On. L7A 0H6
Repast
Bramalea Christian fellowship 11613 Bramalea Road, Brampton, On. L6R 0C2 (905) 799-1188
Keepsake Layout Gracious GraFX
Shawn Ferguson www.GraciousGrafx.com (954) 515-9016
While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. (Psalms 146:2)
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