Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
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Order of Service Moderator Elder Brandon Brownlee Opening Prayer Overseer Jacqueline Lloyd Praise and Worship Pastor Paul Grant Old Testament Scripture
Elder Claude Stewart
New Testament Scripture
Deacon Tamarios Pierce
Special Family Tributes
Sheena Klausch (Daughter) & Sheila Drummond (Sister)
Close friends Tributes
Sis. Jennifer Ling & Sis. Pauline Kong
Total Change Ministry Tribute
Sis. Tracy Dean
Open Reflections
Limit 2 minutes please
Eulogy Sis. Melissa Symes Resolution Bishop Waldecks Luma 1st Bishop of Global Apostolic Ministries Fellowship Alliance Acknowledgments
A Good Shepherd Funeral Home
Homily Bishop Frank A. Lloyd ll Presiding Prelate of Global Apostolic Ministries Fellowship Alliance Final Glance Special Presentation Prayer for the Family Sis. Jennifer Ling Committal
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Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
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Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
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om you left me! You left me! That’s what I screamed repeatedly crying when you took your last breath. I was not ready to let you go as it was way too soon. I was angry, confused, in disbelief and scared and probably still am. The thought alone on not ever being able to see your beautiful smile, those innocent sweet eyes and to hear your calm smoothing voice again hurts so very much. This does not feel real and I refuse to accept it… You are my hero! When I was a girl I told myself and everyone I wanted to be just like you… I thought I wanted to be just like you because you’re smart, strong, and a hard worker and a good mother that love us so much. Yes that’s a part of it but I came to realize the main reasons was more than I can imagine: You had the most beautiful pure soul, you never turn your back on those in need, you always put others before you and not just family but strangers as well. You always stood up to what you believed in and never judged others no matter how horrible of a person they
were and always looked for the good in them … I never realized how lucky I was to have you as a mother. I’m so deeply hurt by you no longer being amongst us that I feel so lost. Words could never even begin to explain and express how much you meant to me and my siblings. I wish your grandkids who called you Nana could get to know you more. You will be dearly missed. You were a good person, a fighter for God. You have raised us right gave us a good life especially under hard circumstances. You stayed strong and gave your five amazing kids a better life because of all your hard work. Thanks to you, we are who we are today. Your amazing soul and fighter spirit lives on in all five of us. Mom we shall meet again until then I will be the best daughter, mother, wife and person I can be. I will make you proud. I love you forever and always your daughter Sheena
❤
Klaush CREW
“My Nana was someone I knew I could always count on. She was very kind and loving, and there were some times where she helped me understand things that I couldn’t understand on my own.. She will always be in my heart and I will miss her very much.”
❤
From your first Grandchild Katie
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y Miss Valerie, You were a precious gift from God, So much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched my heart in so many ways, your strength and smile even on dark days made me realize I had an angel beside me. I will forever salute you, You were an amazing person with a radiant spirit. God gave me the best mother-in-law in the world. You are deeply missed but you will never be forgotten. Your son in law, Steven
In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill. -unknown
Beautiful PEACE
I awake each morning to start a new day But the pain of losing you never goes away. I go about the things I have to do And as the hours pass I think again of you. I want to call you and just hear your voice Then I remember that I have no choice For you are not there and now my heart cries Just to see you again to tell you goodbye To say Mommy I love you and I always will And hope that much of you, in me you’ve instilled. The day that you left I just didn’t know That you were going where I couldn’t go. Every time I push you away you never cared You stay persistence in my time of fear You never gave up on me you were always there And now all my memories of you are so dear But gosh, how I miss you and wish you were here. Who now can hear me when I need to cry? It so hard to tell you “Mommy goodbye.” Someday I know all will be well And I’ll see you again with stories to tell Of how you were missed and how we have grown And how good it is to finally be home. Until then my memories of you I’ll keep near And I’ll pass them on to those who are dear. I miss you Mommy, All it takes is one picture, one memory, one song
Ever since you left us everything seems wrong The sadness can hit me and knock me on the floor They say it gets easier but it’s hurting so much more I still can hear your voice and I visualize your face But all I want is to have you right back in your place Can you hear me mommy, in my dreams I call for you And I try so hard to get to you, but I don’t know what to do Can you see me mommy, are you watching over me? Is Heaven all they say it is, are you healthy and happy? Your family is hurting, it’s so hard since you’ve been gone I’m crying so much now, but I once was very strong Losing you has changed me, made me someone new I know you want me happy so I’ll try to be that for you Please watch over us all, from your perch up in the sky And every time I think of you I’ll try hard not to cry Can you hear me mommy, calling out your name I feel you all around me, but it’ll never be the same Can you see me mommy, as you look down from your cloud? I hope and pray with all my might that I still make you proud. Love Felicia your Daughter
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om, sister, auntie, cousin, niece, friend, teacher, coworker and a Pastor. To all roles you played in this world you were so much more to every single person. You were someone that made an impact on each person you came across. You were graceful, great listener, funny, smart, and a great leader. You showed what true love and compassion was to all of us. The strength and warm embrace you cast outside your self for us to feel & believe in within ourselves. There are pieces of you within all of us. I hope to become even just half the woman you were. You showed all of us especially me the light in the darkness. I would never forget that brightness and it will forever shine in my life and others. Your daughter, Esther Johnson
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alerie Mae Drummond/Johnson, the 5th of 6 children of Rosemond Myrie/Drummond known as Evelyn twin of Vetta Myrie and Nathanial Adolfous Drummond known as Mas Natty, was born on April 15th, 1963. Valerie was born in Saint James, Jamaica in a little-known district called Summerton where she grew on Easy Street otherwise known as Bottom Road Bowman. Her mother, Evelyn soon left to join her husband in England leaving her 6 children with her twin sister Vetta and their grandmother Ena Gail; with 11 children in one home, everyone was more of a sibling to each other. The community couldn’t tell the difference between the twins and who the child was whose so whenever we would get in trouble, they were not sure which mother to go to. Growing up, Valerie was very independent; often wandering away from home to go gather her favorite fruits, June Plum’s, which she loved. In her unique way, Valerie was tomboyish, she was stubborn yet adventurous who would climb trees, swimming in the river, you name it she probably done it. Her favorite game was jacks and you could always catch her jumping rope. Valerie attended Kindergarten at Aunty Min School where she discovered her favorite nursery rhyme “Aye diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon.” She was very fascinated by the fact that a cow could jump over the moon. As a small child, Valerie loved to read; she would go off to a quiet place, sucking her tongue and reading a book. Her favorite books consisted of Nursery Rhymes and one of her most favorite was “Nola goes to school”. Valerie 14
Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
started Summerton All Aged School at the age of 7 with the same eagerness to learn; she was prim and proper always put together, always soft-spoken, and never known to have an issue with anyone. She was like a sponge just absorbing knowledge and once she was able to read and comprehend bigger books she picked up the Bible and devoured the word with thirsty and hunger for God; she would say in astonishment you know all things are possible with God”. She reads the Bible. She Sings the bible, and when Paula gets tired of her, she would preach to herself in the mirror and if the cats and dogs would sit still she would preach to them also. Valerie is tone-deaf and her songs would be on the same note and out of tune; she didn’t clap or dance to the beat, it was always off but perfect to her and you could not tell her otherwise, there was only one thing she in tune with was God. Valerie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of 8 years old. Her mother also witnesses strong potential in Valerie and went on to send her to Shiloh High School, a Christian boarding school in Saint Ann’s Bay where she emerged herself into the word of God. After returning home from high school, she went to San Sharp Teachers College in Montego Bay where she met her Husband Owen Johnson. Valerie then was blessed with her first born a beautiful daughter Sheena Roselyn Johnson and right after a wonderful son Raheim Joseph Johnson. Then after came another beautiful daughter Felicia Ornella Johnson. Valerie decided she wants much more for her family and had to make one of the biggest sacrifice in her life by leaving her two oldest kids behind in Jamaica and departed to the United States. This was one of the hardest decision she had to make but she knew it was best for her and her family. It took her three years to get her family reunited back together again. Valerie was on a mission to follow God, share his word, and care for her family and others. She worked nights and went to school for nursing, at this time, during the day, she found time to serve and help others. Valerie Mae Johnson accomplished firstly winning souls for Christ,… Valerie was not done building her family as of yet, Esther Lehann Johnson another beautiful daughter came into the picture. Valerie went on to getting her Bachelor’s degree and then her Masters in business. She was determined to get her education and did not let anything get into her way. In the midst of achieving her education another beautiful daughter was born Hayley Kay Blanc. She then became a teacher and stuck to that all the way to the end. Valerie was always passionate about sharing the word of God and decided to become a Pastor, soon after she opened up her own ministry which is called Total Change Ministry. Even with all odds against her she never gave up and doing what she believed in and loved. Sadly, after a good fight with Covid Pastor Valerie Johnson departed this world and went home to the Lord. She was loved by many and will never be forgotten.
Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
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TOTAL CHANGE MINISTRIES
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t’s with great sadness that the Total Change Ministry mourns the death of it’s leader Pastor Valerie Johnson. In the church ordained minister she served as Mother Pastor and Bible Teacher. Prior to her ordination she served as Evangelist and Minister in various church where she attended. She served in each position with passion and grace. Valerie was someone with a good heart who worked tirelessly with the Total Change Ministry. She would bring member to church as well arrange and provide fares, as well as cooking and selling dinners as a means to raise funds for the church. She also worked to build up the ministry, helping to create diversity within unity. Valerie was a radiant person with an infectious smile who enjoyed good humor and Bible stories. While we all mourn this indeed great loss we trust in the promise of Christ and how she always spoke of going to heaven. While we remember our sister and pray for her daughters and son and grandchildren whom she held dear in her hearts, a scripture comes to mind: No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn
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Tribute to the late Valerie Drummond Johnson
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t’s so hard to say goodbye to a woman of God, Sister Valrie was our neighbor in Somerton, Jamaica, she was a wonderful person, We the McFarlane family can say a hero has gone to be with her Lord.
Sister Valerie was a loving caring woman, she used to take care of my children when I and my husband were not around, she would feed, bathe and and stay with the children overnight until morning if we were unable to return early. I’ve thanked God for allowing us to visit her in Miami in April 2021, and we had fellowship, she even promised to visit us when she comes to Jamaica little did we know that would be the lasty time we would see each other, but I know she is in a better place. Sister Valerie has fought a good fight she kept the faith, and she has finished her course and her name was called to a higher service, a rose in bloom up in heaven. Sister Valrie, we miss you but one thing we promise to keep the legacy of this prayer line and keep praying for your children, grandchildren, and the family. May her soul rest in peace. From Brother Lloyd Miss Tea McFarlane and Family.
Tribute to Pastor Valerie from June Clarke Lyons
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am grateful, thankful, appreciative, and will always cherish the opportunity and privilege of knowing Pastor Valerie Johnson. From just praying on the prayer line to participating in the Bible Study, Sister Valerie touched my life in so many ways. These precious memories, I will always cherish and hold on to. Valerie was a stalwart, a woman that loved God with her whole life and with a heart that seek to know and understand her creator more and more each day. She has impacted so many lives for the kingdom of God, which was a joy and pleasure for her, plus an immense calling on her life. God is truly please with her and for that I am so grateful. Chatting with Pastor Valerie was pleasurable as she was so excited about the word of God. She would remind always “Sister June, study the word and continue to live for God, because the work only can keep us”. Today my heart hurts and yearns those times and conversation spent together, however, I know that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. In the meantime, I will continue to hold to God’s unchanging hands knowing that Sister Valerie is Resting in Peace (RIP). Sleep on my dear sister, until then. Love to everyone!!
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y Sister Valerie
Together on life’s journey, we have traveled you and I, Sharing all the joys of life and keeping each other company Sharing lots of happy times and sometimes sharing tears, Always leaning on each other Together through years through the ups and downs
And no matter where life lead us, Dear Valerie, know that it has been a joy to travel down the road of life with you. My dear sister thank you for being a wonderful Auntie to my two sons Adrian Nelson and Rayon Russell you were an inspiration in there life we love you, we misses you we never get to say goodbye to you but the lord knows best god bless you my dear sister Gone but will never be forgotten, I love you and you will always be in my heart Angela Drummond
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o my dear sister, I miss you so much. I’ve been blessed to call you sister, once you entered my life you were there to stay. When we were little children we laughed and played together, then growing up you always stood by me through the good and the bad. I would give anything to go back in time and enjoy your sermons; you preached and I sang. We were a perfect match, God knew we needed each other. I wish you would come back, I wish you would never leave me because I feel like I need you. But I know that you are happy where you are, heaven is all you ever talked about. No more pain or sorrows, I can just see your beautiful, warm smile. Right now I’m not over you gone, right now I’m still crying. At least I know now that you’re always right beside me, never leaving me alone. My sister, my sweet precious sister, until we meet again It broke my heart to lose you but you didn’t go alone, For part of me went with you the day God called you home, God’s garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best; I love you, always and forever. With Love, your sister Paula Drummond
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y spiritual compass, my secret holder, my light in the darkness, my head lifter. If I had known the last time would have been the last time, I would have put off all the things I had to do. I would have stayed a little longer and hold on a little tighter. What would I give for one more day with you?
I know the road you have walked was anything but easy and you have picked up your share of scars along the way. There is a wound here in my heart, where somethings are missing. Even as the tears roll down my face, I know your in a better place, now that you are standing in the sun. You have fought your fight; your race is run and the pain is a million miles away! Hallelujah! for the hands that hold you now. My dearest sister, I miss you! You will live on in the better parts of me. Until I am standing in the sun, I will fight this fight and this race I will run, until I can finally see what you can see. Sleep on beloved. Sleep and take your rest. Sheila Nuff love always
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y Sister Valerie was just naturally special. To me she was always special but later I found out that she was even more special in the spirit. Valerie had a curious and determine mind set even from her young age.
My earliest memory of is my mother telling me the story of Valerie, aged 4. A lady named Miss Vie, who lived about a mile and a half far up in the woods. One night she heard a baby crying so she lit her lamp and went to investigate. She found the baby and realized it was Mrs. Drummond baby. She took Valerie straight back home to mum. Mum explained that Valerie had decided to go and find her mum who had gone to visit a friend for the evening. That’s how determined Valerie was even at a young age. She loved going into details about things. Whether it was explaining something she feels is important or just telling you something she wants you to know. For me as the big brother, when she would go into detail I would reply “me pass through that already” to which she would reply “I know but that does not mean you understand” That was my sister!!! It was my joy to see her in London in 2015 such good memories! We met up again in Jamaica in 2019. We spent so much time talking. It was then that I realized how much she had grown. She had such a deep spiritual relationship and knowledge of God. I will miss her dearly but I take comfort that her faith in Christ JESUS has taken her home to the Lord. I have hope we will meet her again in glory. I will always cherish the precious memories and moments we shared as long as I live. your brother, Shian
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To Pastor Valerie:- The woman who change my life for ever I met pastor Valerie when I was a client at the Salvation Army housing facility. I became homeless after losing my mom and everything I owned. Pastor Valerie came to teach a GED class, and the first thing she asked us was, “Are you saved”? Since that time, she has poured so much into my life, to the point where she rescued me from homelessness and I became a part of the family While going through our GED class and after class was over, Pastor Valerie would find ways to teach us about the bible and the goodness of God, which was her lifelong love and passion. She was faithful in her passion and pursuit for the Lord, she not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. On Februray 7, 2018, I fully gave my life to Jesus through watery baptism. The opportunity to live with and learn from Pastor Valerie was tremendous, not only about her love for God, but her love and care for humanity, which was an example to me. Pastor Valerie taught me to love even in the face of adversity, something I will always treasure. She taught me to know and love God beyond ways I could ever 24 Celebrating the Life of PASTOR VALERIE JOHNSON
imagine, this I know will lead me home to glory. A friend and a confidante whose memories I will hold dear to my heart. We stood by each other, even though she was my strength. Even while in the hospital, she would call to make sure everyone was okay and reminded me to take care of myself. Before her passing, she called and said “Dianne, remember to take care of yourself and I love you”. I am so grateful to have known this strong woman of God and eternally thankful for all she did for everyone who came into her life including the ministry and myself. Pastor Valerie was about kingdom building and saving soul for Jesus. Though I am hurting, I know she is at peace and resting in the arms of Abraham awaiting the return of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I know, I will see her again someday. Rest in Peace Pastor Valerie, I will always love you and cherish our relationship. From Sister Dianne
To our Pastor Johnson, sentimentally called Sister Val was very driven in everything that she did. Her passion was enormous especially in the Ministry. She was very gifted in teaching and expounding the Word of God. She made sure everyone understood when was been taught. You are so sadly missed and will always be remembered for all the love, care, understanding, patient, laughter in good times and bad. We met Pastor Val in 1996 at Church and every since we never part. We immediately knitted together as friends and church family, our children ranged in the same age groups so we became Aunties to our kids. Even thou, her passing was so unexpected and we still for a million years cannot understand that she has gone so soon. Her spirit will always remain with us and we know that one day we will meet in heaven to be forever with the Lord. Sis Pauline Kong and Sis Jennifer Ling
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Thank You
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to you for your support in the form of phone calls, texts, gifts and kind words of encouragement and comfort. Most of all, thank you for your prayers during this time of bereavement. Our loss of our matriarch is heaven’s gain. May God continue to bless you all. The Family of Pastor Valerie Johnson
Special Thanks to A Good Shepherd Funeral Home Redeeming Word Church Bishop Frank A. Lloyd Ll Pastor Paul Grant Pastor Barry Phillips Paulette Symes Shawn Ferguson (Gracious Grafx Studios)
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Life Well Lived A life well lived is a precious gift Of hope and strength and grace, From someone who has made our world A brighter, better place It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad With smiles and sometimes tears, With friendships formed and good times shared And laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy Of joy and pride and pleasure, A living, lasting memory Our grateful hearts will treasure - Author Unknown