Songs of Comfort OH, I WANT TO SEE HIM As I journey through the land, singing as I go, Pointing souls to Calvary—to the crimson flow, Many arrows pierce my soul from without, within; But my Lord leads me on, through Him I must win.
When in valleys low I look toward the mountain height, And behold my Savior there, leading in the fight, With a tender hand outstretched toward the valley low, Guiding me, I can see, as I onward go.
Refrain Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace; On the streets of glory let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.
When before me billows rise from the mighty deep, Then my Lord directs my bark; He doth safely keep, And He leads me gently on through this world below; He’s a real Friend to me, oh, I love Him so.
When in service for my Lord dark may be the night, But I’ll cling more close to Him, He will give me light; Satan’s snares may vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside; But my Lord goes ahead, leads whate’er betide.
THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY If I walk in the pathway of duty, If I work till the close of the day, I shall see the great King in His beauty, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
Here the dearest of ties we must sever, Tears of sorrow are seen every day; But no sickness, no sighing forever, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
Refrain When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day; And I know there are joys that await me, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
And if here I have earnestly striven, And have tried all His will to obey, ’Twill enhance all the rapture of heaven, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
If for Christ I proclaim the glad story, If I seek for His sheep gone astray, I am sure He will show me His glory, When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
Order of Service Processional Praise and Worship Opening Remarks Prayer
Elder Lexford McNish
Scripture Reading Jennifer Evans
Revelation 21:1 – 7
Congregational Hymn Oh I Want to See Him Scripture Reading Yolarose Bancroft Psalm 27
Congregational Hymn The Last Mile of the Way Tributes Alton (Andy) Jeffrey - Son Lorna Dawkins - Daughter Turane & Turvane Douglas – Grandson & Great Grandson Recorded tribute - London, England Charmaine Pitter – Daughter Devon Smith – Church Family Recorded tribute in song – Jamaica Gladstone Lingo – Church Family
Eulogy Charmaine Pitter Message Elder Ralston McKenzie Prayer for the Family Recessional Victory Is Mine
The origins of Joyce Miller are a bit obscure. Joyce, (affectionately known as Mama Joyce, Little One, Joycie) never knew her mother. She remembered her father, Joseph Miller, recounting the story of how he stole her and her brother William (Jimmy) from their mother in Haiti. Joyce was only 2 years old and her brother 6 years old at the time of the alleged kidnapping. She was her father’s pet, and would spend many nights listening sleepily, on her father’s lap under the light of her father’s shop, as he shared the tales with his patrons. She remembered him relating how her mother was in an advanced state of pregnancy with another child when her beloved Papa made his hasty exit from Port-au-Prince. She does not know why he had to leave, and it cannot be confirmed if Haiti was in fact the country of their birth, since based on the testimony of her brother Jimmy, their father also spent time in Cuba, which explained why their father would sing to Joyce in Spanish on those nights outside on the shop’s corridor. The events cannot be confirmed nor denied, because the only evidence of their birth – their birth certificates – were burnt to ashes by an irate relative. It did not help the situation that her father died tragically when he was hit from his bicycle by a truck. Joyce was only 10 years old at the time. The person who loved her most was gone – forever.
THE ROUGH YEARS
With no mother nor father, the two siblings went to live in Allman Town, Kingston, with their Aunt Dine, who they grew to love dearly. Aunt Dine was a domestic worker. Shortly after she took the children under her care, she went on assignment to a new job (on premises/live-in). This meant she would be absent from the home, and so Joyce and Jimmy were left to the mercy of cruel relatives. Joyce had to sleep under the bed, was given scraps of leftovers for her dinner, and had to do most of the household chores before she went to school each day. Joyce and Jimmy were previously students of Jones Town Primary, but with the move to Allman Town, they were transferred to Alpha Primary School. There, Joyce came under the tutelage of Ms. Scott. She realized the young girl
had no parents, so she would share the gifts she received from overseas with Joyce upon observing the tattered attire of the young girl. (Later in life, Joyce’s children would learn from her how she wore her crepes or sneakers, until there were no soles left, and she would then improvise with cardboard.) Pretty soon Aunt Dine took ill and Joyce herself had to start working as a domestic worker at the tender age of eleven. This meant that she had to stop attending school in order to take care of herself, and to help her aunt.
In 1955, Joyce’s first child, Lorna was born. Then, eleven years later, her second child Charmaine followed, and finally in 1971, her son Andy was born. Life continued to be really difficult for her as a single mother. However, this did not prevent her from sharing her one-bedroom home with her brother Jimmy and his five children after the children’s mother passed away. They eventually moved to a bigger home – still together – until her nephews and niece were old enough to leave the home. At this time, the family had moved to Fletcher’s Land, where Jimmy was able to help her secure a house for her and the children. Jimmy was always living nearby – never leaving her alone – even when his own children had branched out. It was the same Jimmy who managed to secure a job for her at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital as a cleaner. Joyce worked at the hospital for over twenty-five years and she took great pride in her job. She would reminisce about one particular occasion when the Prime Minister at that time visited the hospital and commented on how shiny the floors were. Knowing that this was a result of her hard work, it made her very proud. It was there that she formed lifelong bonds with co-workers who became friends. Special mention has to be made of Winnifred Collins-Webb, Olga McRae, Vilma McCarthy and Joylet Henry. She worked at the hospital until her children, who had all migrated, agreed that it was time for her to resign because it was too much for her. Joyce never regretted that decision.
HER FAITH
Joyce informed her children that she was going to be baptized after attending the church of a friend and co-worker Mary Sibblies-Irving. She used to tell the children that her decision to be baptized in 1985 was made after she had a vision in which the Lord showed her the ‘hell-fire’ she would face if she did not change her life. The vision was so vivid, she said she could feel the heat of the fire. So, she was baptized in the Hope River in St. Andrew, Jamaica. She never looked back. She eventually joined a church in Escoffal district, Clarendon. Now that she was a lady of leisure, she was free to make her trips from Kingston quite frequently. This she did until she had to stop due to severe pains in her hips. After consulting with an orthopedic surgeon, she was told that her hip joints were badly eroded and she would need hip replacements. She had to undergo surgery of the left hip in 2007, and that is the reason why she walked with the famous cane.
MIGRATING TO THE U.S.A.
In 2011, Joyce migrated to the U.S.A. to live with her daughter Charmaine in Florida. For a short period before she migrated, she was attending the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Slipe Road in Jamaica. Upon arrival in Florida, she joined her daughter in attending Pentecostal Tabernacle (Pentab) in Miami Gardens. This was now her home church. She loved her church family dearly. She eagerly anticipated each Sunday, when she would arise as early as 6:00 a.m. so that she and her daughter could arrive early in time for prayer at 9:30 a.m. She loved to worship at Pentab, and she loved it especially when they raised the ‘old songs’. She made it her duty to bring candy for those who shared the pew on which she sat. She would joke around with the different members while she sat waiting for her daughter after service. She would tease many, especially the ushers and greeters, telling them she could walk faster than they could, because she had six feet (referring to her four prong cane), and they only had two feet.
A HOPE AND A LEGACY
Joyce took great joy in living, especially living for Christ. Even though she met such cruel treatment in her early life, she never harbored bitterness. In fact, she showed love to everyone. Although she gave birth to three children, she ‘adopted’ many children and grandchildren. She can be remembered for her words of encouragement to those who took time to talk to her. Her signature phrase was – WITH CHRIST IN THE VESSEL, YOU SMILE AT THE STORM. Wherever she went, and if anyone assisted her, she would say, “I’m leaving you in one man’s name, and in His hands, and that is Christ Jesus”. Even when in pain, shortly before she passed, she would always inform her callers who wanted to know how she was doing, that, ‘I’m giving God the highest praise’. She worshipped God until the end. At 10:22 p.m., on Monday, September 14, 2020, she died in the hospital with one of her daughters by her side, while the other two children who reside overseas said good-bye via video call. She died peacefully. Joyce has left behind a legacy in her family who are as follows: daughters Lorna (Little), Charmaine (Pinky) and son Alton (Andy); daughter-in law Carrol. Seven grandchildren – Turane Douglas; Shedina Jeffrey, Shakuwra Jeffrey, Shereka Jeffrey, Khiry Jeffrey, Kareem Cummings and Tayja Cummings; 2 great grandchildren – Turvane Douglas and Zecary Cummings. She is also survived by her beloved brother Jimmy; niece Paulette; nephews George, Anthony and Hugh including many grandnieces and grandnephews. As mentioned before, her church family meant a lot to her. There are also special people in Jamaica who took good care of Joyce before she migrated. Marjorie Gallimore, Georgette Coley, Marcia Powell, Janet Warner, and Mr. P (her taxi-man) and all the residents in Fletcher’s Land who touched her life; most of whom she prayed for until her dying day.
“With Christ in the vessel you can smile at the storm.”
Tributes A BEAUTIFUL SOUL My mother Joyce Ann Miller was a beautiful soul I will never forget. She was my guide in every step of the way, it was in her actions that I learnt, “you know actions speak louder than words”. She was a very caring woman, very strong willed - never took ‘no’ for an answer. I will always remember mama because some things that I do cause me to remember her. Take your rest, you deserve it. You have worked hard to raise us three children and the many others you kept telling me that you had adopted everywhere you went, giving them the love you had to give from deep within. Daughter Lorna
TO MY LITTLE MAMA I learnt to cook because of Mama. I learnt to love the Lord because of Mama. I learnt to trust God because of Mama. My Little Mama – you loved it when I called you that. It’s strange not having you around. I feel as though I am missing a part of me. However, I learnt to share you while you were alive. You would collect family members everywhere you journeyed. I did not mind sharing you with the world because you had so much to offer. An encouraging word, prayers, that demure smile, a joke or two and the BEST BROWN STEWED CHICKEN EVER!! You will always be in my heart. You deserve that Haven of rest about which we sing. You loved the Lord Jesus with every atom of your being. You worshipped Him until the very end – then you slept away. What a way to go! Nothing is slowing you down now. I am looking forward to seeing you again one day. You finished the race well my little Mama. Your daughter Pinky (Charmaine)
AN AMAZING WOMAN OF GOD My mother-in-law Miss Joyce Miller was an amazing woman of God I was blessed to have met almost 21 years ago. I soon realized that Miss Joyce was a God-sent Angel I needed in my life at the most opportune time. My mother-in-law instilled in my husband how to have an intimate relationship with God. She was the wisest woman I knew. She was loving, kind, gentle, and always consistent. She had her priorities straight: God first, then her family and friends. One of her favorite sayings was: “My God is the first one I talk to in the morning when I wake up and the last one I talk to at night before I go to sleep”. I realized it wasn’t just a saying, it was a message. Miss Joyce spoke very little of the pain and discomfort she struggled with daily. She was grateful for the smallest of mercies. She would always give God her highest praise. She loved people. Everyone was her friend - young and old. She often told us about the kindness others showed her. May the light of the Lord Jesus continue to shine upon her forever in heaven, until we meet again. Amen.
Carrol Cummings – daughter-in-law.
MY LITTLE SISTER No one could touch a hair on your head when I was around - and I was around a lot. For most of our lives it was just the two of us. I was even expelled from All-age school because I beat up someone who hit you. You could do no wrong. I will never forget when my children’s mother died, you came to me and said, “I am not leaving you here with these five children you are all coming to live with me and my family”. When I asked you where we would go, you said we would all live in that one bedroom apartment in which you lived with your young family. We did, and the rest is history. You made such a sacrifice for me. You meant the world to me! I will definitely miss our telephone conversations every Sunday. You would never hang up before telling me how good God is, and that I need to serve Him. I know you are with our dear Lord. I love you my little sister - but Jesus loves you more. We will see each other again someday. William ‘Jimmy’ Miller – your loving brother.
MAMA - GOD MADE YOU SPECIAL I feel blessed, honored and privileged to have been your ‘adopted’ daughter. Mamma, you will always and forever be dearly missed, but I stand comforted knowing that you are in Heaven among the angels, doing what you do best…glorifying God! Nothing breaks my heart more than not having you here to call whenever life gets a bit too much. Just to hear your comforting voice say “With God in your vessel, you will smile at the storm”. It was on one of these occasions that I broke down and there you were crying along with me while you prayed fervently for me. Although you ‘adopted’ me, I was never loved any less. Throughout my life’s challenges, I knew that you were constantly praying for me. You were always encouraging and motivating me with words of wisdom – especially from the Bible. Sometimes I would miss talking to you, and find myself thinking ‘how can a mother being less than five feet tall have so much love’. Then I realized that God made you extra special. You are no longer here with us, but you will always be in our hearts. From Nadia
It is with deep regret and sadness that I recognize the passing of a most wonderful human being, Joyce Miller. However, nothing can temper the great joy and happiness that I continue to feel when I reflect on the many lives that she has touched and blessed, including mine. The strong moral values displayed by her children is a true reflection of her great motherly skills. I was very privileged to benefit from her kind nurturing. The love she showed and the manner in which she cared and prayed for me during my greatest times of need, will always dwell in my heart. I was very fortunate to share part of my life with Ms. Miller, the loving and caring soul, I affectionately called Mama. She loved the Lord and he has rewarded her with a wonderful place in Heaven. May her soul rest in peace. Jennifer Johnson
AN INSPIRATION I am quite honored to present a tribute in recognition of Joyce Miller. Miss Joyce, as many of us called her, was an inspiration in my life and the lives of countless others. I can recall fondly our conversations on topics such as being a single mother raising a son, politics, and the progression of people in the community. Miss Joyce was a person who always had something good to say about everyone. Her words of encouragement I am sure has brightened many faces and warmed many hearts. She saw potential in all of us and was always praying for everyone. Her kind nature was so contagious. Personally, I became passionate in assisting elderly community members like her in any way possible. When she was scheduled to do a hip replacement surgery I had to make sure she had everything to her comfort while in the hospital. It was a joy to get her clean clothes ready because I looked forward to our conversations when I went to see her in the hospital. Even when she was discharged, she was so upbeat when I took her medication and weekly market (grocery) supplies to her. My son Andre says he remembers how she was one of the few older persons who came down to his level and spoke to him kindly. We will certainly miss the warmth that Miss Joyce brought to our lives. I can confidently say that she lives on strongly within all of us who she positively impacted. She might be gone but she certainly will not be forgotten. Georgette Coley
WELCOMING! ACCEPTING! KIND! Miss Joyce was a dear. She loved God, loved her children and grandchildren and loved people. Laughter was a part of her personality. I have known Miss Joyce/Mommy, for as long as I have known her daughter Charmaine. It was several decades ago that Charmaine and I met in high school in Kingston, Jamaica. Shortly after our meeting and us becoming fast friends I met her mom. Miss Joyce was welcoming, accepting, and kind. She made me feel at home in her home whenever I visited, showed interest in what I was doing, and always had an encouraging word. That is the person I was pleased to know and am happy to remember. Please accept this tribute on behalf of my mother Presh – who really bonded with Miss Joyce – and my sister, Lorna. With love Julia Stewart-Hyatt
AN AMAZING GRANDMOTHER Hello everyone my name is Renee and I am one of Ms. Joyce’s ‘adopted’ grandchildren. I remember she would go away to the country asking my grandma to keep an eye out on her house while she was away. Without me asking, she would always bring back a bag of curry crab already prepared and ready to eat (my favorite). Ms. Joyce was a grandmother to me, becoming one of the most valued persons in my life when I lost my own grandmother Etta Ma Mahoney. I felt a strong connection to her through my grandmother’s death, as she would often visit her, naturally, because they were like sisters. They shared long nights and early mornings on the veranda on their stools. I remember crying a lot (excessively) in private, however Ms. Joyce would always know and let me know everything will be all right and that my grandmother and herself were extremely proud of me and to hold my head up and ignore everything else. Everyone must leave something behind in death - a child or a book, or a house or even a pair of shoes made. Something your hand touched in some way, so your soul has somewhere to travel to, and when people look at that person or object, it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away, Ms. Joyce has done that and more. Miss Joyce has left an enormous impact on me and my family and we are blessed and grateful to have known her in this life. She will never be forgotten.
On behalf of Etta ‘Ma’ Mahoney’s Family we love you always and forever Ms. Joyce.
I remember it was a pleasure meeting Miss Joyce, who I also called Mama Joyce. She was such a spiritual person. Whenever we spoke – usually on the phone – she would always mention God. I will surely miss her and especially miss taking to her. I know she is with the Lord. Amen. She has no more discomfort. To her children Lorna, Charmaine and Andy; her grandchildren and great grand-sons, God bless you for taking care of her so well.
Beverley Briggs (Charmaine Pitter’s sister)
Acknowledgments The family of Joyce Miller would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many friends, and well-wishers who provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time. For those who telephoned, traveled long distances, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolences, as well as those who made charitable donations, we are truly grateful. If you prayed, prepared a meal, or by just being there for us, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude. Your expressions of love and kindness will never be forgotten.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Royal Funeral Service Inc. 17475 NW 27th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33056 305-625-6818
INTERMENT
Vista Memorial Gardens 14200 NW 57th Avenue Miami Lakes, FL 33014 305-821-1421
PALL BEARERS Alton Jeffrey Michael Pitter Bryan Pitter Khiry Cummings Keyuon Pitter Mickale Pitter
Son Son Son Grandson Grandson Grandson
Memorial Keepsake Concept Design & Editing Annette Taylor-Spence Love CareFronting, LLC 954.439.5615
Printing
Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org 305.651.9696
Art Direction & Layout Gracious GraFx Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954.515.9016
I ’ll Be Waiting for You Although your heart may be broken, There’s no need to weep for me. I’m in a wonderful place now, Where I’m happy and so carefree. I had to go, but I’ve left behind Good memories to comfort you. Concentrate on the best times we had, And try not to feel so blue. For one day we’ll be together again, To laugh and sing and play. You’ll be so glad to see me again, It will seem I was gone just one day. So try to lift up your heads now, And dare to set grief aside, Because I’ll be waiting here for you, To welcome you to the other side. Author Kelly Roper Submitted by Julia Stewart-Hyatt
The Memorial Keepsake A Production of
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