RUPERT & VIVIENE ESTABLISHED JULY, 1973
TO LOVE SOMEBODY ISN’T JUST A STRONG FEELING. IT’S A DECISION, A JUDGMENT, AND A PROMISE.
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A Life Well Lived! Viviene Lennon
A SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND
Celebration
VIEWING 11:00AM SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING 11:30AM NEW LIFE TABERNACLE UPCI 6912 WILLIAMS ROAD SEFFNER, FL 33584 OFFICIATING MINISTERS PASTOR RASHIDI COLLINS BISHOP DANIEL DAVY PASTOR S. ROBERT STEWART
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The Celebration The Prelude & Processional Instrumental Invocation
Pastor Rashidi Collins
Praise & Worship
Minister Dwayne Stewart & Praise Team
Prayer
Minister Cyvonne Davy
Scripture Reading
Minister Clothiel Jackson
Video Tribute - Dr. Barbara Sharpe Congregational Hymn In the Great Triumphant Morning
Minister Dwayne Stewart & Praise Team
Video Tribute - Bishop & Sister Francis (General Assistant Superintendent, Jamaica) Reflections
Sis. Barbara Lingo (Early Years) Sis. Daisy Miller (Life & Ministry) Mrs. Susan Mulhorn (Life as a Caretaker)
Musical Selection
Minister Sharlene Collins (Niece)
Video Tribute - Pastor & Sister Gayle (Calvary Tabernacle, Jamaica) Musical Selection
Bro. Rupert “Vinny� Lennon
Reflection from Daughter
Sis. Deon Mills
Video Tribute - Mother Gweneth Gallimore Musical Selection (Medley)
Minister Dwayne Stewart & Praise Team
Reflections from Grandchildren Matthew, Ayana, & Eliana Eulogy Bro. Robert Mills High Praise Sermon Closing Prayer Recessional
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A Life Well Lived! Viviene Lennon
NLT Ensemble Pastor S. Robert Stewart Bishop Daniel Davy Instrumental
V
iviene Lennon…a woman of God who devoted her life to prayer and her family. She was a phenomenal wife, a remarkable mother, a devoted sibling, and a loyal friend. She departed this earthly life into glory on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at sixty six years of age.
Viviene was born on January 11, 1954 in Lilyfield, Bamboo, St Ann, Jamaica to Lulan and Miriam Virgo. She attended Bamboo Primary School and Mount Zion High School in Ocho Rios before graduating from Walton High. A second generation apostolic, she got saved at an early age and attended Full Truth Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, where her love for God blossomed under the ministry of Pastor Anthony S. Palmer. Viviene enjoyed her life in Bamboo even after the death of her mother at an early age. She continued life with dignity, class, and honor, just as her mother had taught her. She was known for her decorating skills, her organizational skills, and the exceptional ability to transform a room in just minutes. She had a strong determination to succeed. She possessed a “win” mentality in everything she put her mind to. She never went down without a fight. She always kept an outlook that says: “Although the outlook seems dark, the uplook will be bright. Stay focused!” On July18, 1973 at the tender age of 19, Viviene married the love of her life, Rupert “Vinnie” Lennon and she relocated to Priory, St Ann. There she raised three children, as a stay at home mom, while actively involved in Sunday School, Youth department, and the
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choir at Calvary Tabernacle UPC in St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann, under the leadership of Bishop David Gallimore. She lived an exemplary life in Priory with her family. Her mission was to be the best wife, the best mom, the best saint and a caring neighbor… she always had room for growth. Her home was the home for many. She was always cooking, cleaning or tending to her children at every visit. She communicated her love through her cooking. Anyone who knows her, knows how remarkably well she can cook. She had the natural ability to pull together a full course gourmet meal in just minutes.
Viviene immigrated to the United States in 1987 with her family. This was a big transition at the time, one they didn’t take likely, but felt it was indeed the will of God. Soon after arriving they found an amazing apostolic church to call home. They joined the fellowship at Faith Tabernacle UPC pastored by Rev. Dr. G. Oliver Barnes. She immediately joined the choir and the Ladies Auxiliary committee. Folks would think she had never left Calvary Tabernacle in St Ann, Jamaica. Church and kingdom work were fundamental components of her life. She exemplified this passion before her children every day so that it impacted their lives. She taught them to love God, she taught them to stay with God, and she taught them to put Him first. In July 1992 she welcomed her fourth child after thinking she was completely finished with childbearing. However, God apparently had another plan in mind and just like that, Jerome was here. She and her family spent over ten years at Faith Tabernacle before later joining the saints at Pentecostal Tabernacle of North Miami under the leadership of Pastor S. Robert Stewart as one of the first families during the launch of a brand-new apostolic ministry. There she spent more than twenty years faithfully serving in various ministries; as a choir member, a preteen Sunday school teacher, in the care ministry, and a part of the hospitality service team.
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A Life Well Lived! Viviene Lennon
Wonderful memories were made; lifelong bonds were established and kept throughout the years.
Sis Viviene had an enduring passion for the things of God and was always actively involved in ministry everywhere she was placed. She was extremely humble and was the epitome of one with a meek and quiet spirit. Everything she did, she had God in mind. Every conversation she held, it never ended without a spiritual word of wisdom. Her love for people led her down a career path as a licensed provider with an exceptional ability to care for others. Her patients were not just patients, they were her family. Her decorating and culinary skills were admired not only by friends and family, but also by all who frequented the many get-togethers she often hosted. She acquired an exceptional housekeeping skill where she didn’t just impact her home alone, she impacted the homes of many. She was known for her vivacious personality, infectious smile, and selfless spirit. She always saw the best in everyone, no matter what. Her love for prayer and her consistent walk with God transformed her everyday. There is no doubt‌she lived a fulfilled life! Viviene was preceded in death by her father, Lulan, mother, Miriam (nee Richards) and brother Basil. She is survived by her husband Rupert; four children - Veronica, Nathaniel, Deon (Robert), and Jerome. Eleven grandchildren - Davion, Matthew, Cameron, Ayana, Eliana, Josiah, Jeovani, Joshua, Journey, Jesiah, Jacob, and one great-granddaughter Divine. Three brothers - Percival, Leroy, Edward; two sisters Ena and Hyacinth; several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
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A TOKEN FROM THE
Heart
My Viviene…where do I begin? From the very first time my eyes met yours, while visiting Bamboo that afternoon, I knew without a doubt you were sent f rom God to complete me. What a blessing you have been through the years. It takes a woman of your Godly character, patience, prayer and love to transform a man like me into who God would have me to be.
We have shared 47 long years together on this journey called life. We have accomplished several milestones as a family. We have faced many challenges, but we have also seen God “move mountains and shift the seas”, just for us. I’m not too sure how life will be without you physically here with me. However, I know the Lord will give me grace that I will make it after all. Enjoy your heavenly reward until we meet again. Rupert (Vinny) your devoted husband
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A Life Well Lived! Viviene Lennon
L ov e AN EVERLASTING
CONNECTION
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VIV'S
H e r i ta g e . . . To my Aunt Viviene…Thank you for a lifetime of love, laughter, tears and happiness. Thank you for giving me the strength to endure when I just couldn’t. Now that you’ve left this life to a better place, I know the Lord will give me the strength to go on. There will always be a hole in my heart that will never heal, and tears in my eyes that will never dry. Aunty Viviene you are a legend and irreplaceable mother in my eyes. Thank you for leaving me with such a Godly heritage. I thank the Lord every day for giving you, to me. Love Veronica (Colleen)
Mom, where do I even begin? I must say you are the greatest mother ever. Apart from your kindness and selflessness, you are the most caring human being with one of the biggest hearts and also with a smile that would light up any room. During my younger years, I was selfish because I had to share you with others. Over the years, I got accustomed to sharing you and came to realize why people loved you so much. I’m here remembering all the precious moments we shared. You made it your duty to see to it that I didn’t have to worry or be in need of anything. Just to make mention of a prime example is how you made sure that my favorite meal was ready when I came home from weeks of travelling; yes, that famous stew peas and rice (even now I’m smiling thinking about it). You pretty much knew everything about me. You were my first and truest love. Words are inadequate to describe the bond we share. Even though you are no longer here physically, beneath my pain, I find comfort in knowing you are still a part of me because I can still feel your warm embrace. I thank God for allowing me to enter this world through your womb and better yet for the example of being a true woman of God. Your children rise up and call you blessed. I know our spirit journey has just began, so I hope to see you in my dreams. I love you mom; you will forever be my best friend. Until I see you again, I’ll keep all the promises I made to you. Your firstborn affectionately called Junior and also your favorite (laughing at Colleen, Deon and Jerome), yea I know you made all your children felt like they were your favorite. Take your rest mom, your legacy lives on through us. Nathaniel (Junior)
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...Live's On! Proverbs 31:26 states… “She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…” Mom, this verse is befitting of who you are in character, and the incredible role you have played in our lives throughout the years. You have taught me so many life lessons that are playing out (accurately) to this very day. I am, who I am, because of your consistent Godly examples demonstrated daily before me. Our Sovereign God strategically chose YOU to be my mom and what a tremendous blessing! There is no one like you mom. There is no one more kind, sweet, caring, and with an authentic ability to truly love others wholeheartedly despite flaws. You weren’t just a mother to me; you were my dearest best friend, one I connected with seven to eight times per day. I am going to miss you incredibly mommy. However, I will not mourn as the world mourns, because I know without a doubt that you have obtained the greatest reward of all times, sitting at ease on the other side of Glory! Rest well…you’ve completed a life well lived! LOVE you mom! Deon (Dee)
Mom, there are not enough words to express how grateful I am to you for raising, loving, instructing, and guiding me over the last Twenty seven years. I can still hear your words ringing true every day: "Stay Focus." God knew exactly what He was doing when He picked you to be my mom. The man that I am today and the man that I will be in the years to come will have your footprints all over my path. I miss your daily "I am just checking-in" phone calls that always seemed to come at the right time; they were full of wisdom, directives, and LOVE. God knows exactly what He is doing because you're sitting in a much better place! You lived a good life mom, and I want to close this tribute out with the very same words I also end our daily conversations with. Love you, Ma! ~ Jerome
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HER
H e r i ta g e
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L e LIVES ga cy ON... HER
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CAN YOU
H ea r US?
Davion: I can still hear your words to me… “Stay in the House.” My love for God is reminded by those words. Miss you so much Grandma.
Matthew: You told me to join the military, and after years of resistance, I finally joined the Air Force. Best advice ever. Love you Grandma.
Cameron: You taught me to “Put God First.”This is something I will never forget. I Love you Grandma.
Ayana: I can hear your voice saying: “young girls don’t sleep at other people’s houses.” Thank you, Grammie, for your wisdom and covering. Love you so much!
Eliana: I am going to miss our talks and those constant lessons of what it means to be an honorable young lady for God and how you always ensured my hair was at its best! Lol. You are the best cook of all times, and I promise to continue that legacy.
Josiah: I can still hear you saying… “Study hard and make sure you become that General of the United States Air Force one day.” I love you Grandma.
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G ra n d s THE VOICES OF THE
Jeovani: I am going to miss your visits to Jamaica and all the goodies you brought just for me. I love you Grandma!
Joshua: I am going to miss you picking me up from school for our Chick-Fil-A trips, and your tight hugs. Love you Grammie!
Journey: I going to miss my afterschool donut trips and your oxtail dinner with white rice. I Love you Grammie!
Jesiah: I am going to miss your warm hugs and hearing you say how cute and adorable I am. I love you!
Jacob @ 9 months: Even though your time with me was cut short, I am so glad you had a chance to hold me, to kiss me and to tell me how (shine) my eyes look! I love you!
đ&#x;™‚
Divine (great-grand): I am going to miss hearing you calling be “so beautiful.� I will forever miss you Grammie!
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Fa m i ly AN UNRELENTING CONNECTION
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Virgo IT'S A
AFFAIR
(VIV AND HER SIBLINGS)
Sweet and Unforgettable I have known Viviene all my life as we grew up together in a small district in Jamaica in the parish of St Ann called Tobolski. We lived very close to each other and so we were often at each other’s homes playing and giggling as little girls are known to do. We shared secrets and laughter from childhood right into adulthood. Our constant chatter and laughter never waned either, though as adults we started living in different countries and started our respective families. Her kindness to me is something I will miss dearly. In or around the year 2000, I started to travel to the United States of America more frequently and so I got to see her more often. I cannot forget one morning I went to her home for us to go to Church and on seeing my dress she voiced her disapproval in a firm but loving way. She then invited me to go into her closet to take whatever bit of clothing I wanted to wear. I expected that the dress I selected would be returned after we came back from church, but Viviene gave it to me. She said anything that she had was never too good for her to give me. That was the lady who this world lost! I remember Viviene being quick-witted and if she disagreed with you she wouldn’t hesitate to let you know. I remember quarrelling with her on issues that we disagreed on and then talking as if we never disagreed shortly thereafter. She was the Queen of “cuss and mek up”. She made certain that everyone in her life knew that they were loved by her. My family and I grieve for the Lennon Family at the loss of this sweet and unforgettable soul. Rest my sweet cousin, rest now in peace. Una Francis – Kingston, Jamaica
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Fa m i ly THE
OF GOD
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CALVARY
R e m e m be r s It was a great honour and privilege to have met Sister Viviene Lennon forty-six years ago. She was loving, kind, genuine, humble, sociable, pleasant, helpful, friendly, cooperative, a true friend and confidante. She was a hard worker and a striver for excellence. She poured so much into our lives and the lives of others whether they were of the household of faith or not. Sis Lennon was family-oriented and dedicated herself to playing that role well, in order to have kept it strong and together for forty-seven years. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her (Prov. 31:28). Her sterling contribution to the work of the Lord Jesus cannot be overemphasized. She gave of her time, talent and treasure unreservedly to the ministry during her sojourn. She was actively involved in the Youth Department where she served as secretary. In addition, she served as Sunday School Teacher and Choir Member. When her service was required, she made herself available to work in other areas of the ministry. Her entire family migrated to the United States of America many years ago and she remained faithful to God. The great friendship and fellowship we shared over the years will never be forgotten. She did what she could. There was nothing too much or too valuable for her to give. We never anticipated her departure at this time. She died in faith believing that her situation would ‘turn around’, but her faithful creator who kept her during the ups and downs, the good times and the bad times, in sickness and in health, called her home. In death they were not divided. We pray that the bereaved family members will be strengthened at this time and beyond. Rest in peace Sister Lennon, Your reward awaits you! Barrington & Vera Lyn Gayle Calvary Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church of Jamaica
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FAITH TABERNACLE
R e m e m be r s It really saddened me when I heard about the death of our dear Sister Viviene. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sister Viviene, along with her husband and family, joined with Faith Tabernacle during the mid 1980’s. I found it very impressive that she was very willing to jump right in and become an active member of our church. Every Sunday Sis. Lennon would come to church with a very big smile and pleasant countenance. She was someone who always offered a kind word to others, established and maintained honest relationships, and was willing to go the extra mile for everyone. Basically, one could say that Viviene was an all-around great person. During Sis. Lennon’s tenure at this church she served in several capacities. She was a Sunday school teacher, sang Soprano on the Sanctuary Choir, and a member of the Women’s Ministry. Sis. Lennon worked tirelessly in all of those areas, helping to advance the ministry and God’s Kingdom. I can say that she is someone who I loved tremendously and am truly sorry for her passing. Rest well in Glory, Sis Lennon. Rev. Dr. G. Oliver Barnes
You cannot imagine how sorry I am for not being able to attend physically, but I want Brother Vinnie Lennon, Lady Veronica, Junior, Lady Deon, Jerome and their families to accept my condolences. Viviene and I met at King’s Chapel Church Youth Camp in Montego Bay during the early seventies and that’s where our friendship started along with Barbara Lingo. After I migrated to Florida we were out of touch for a while, but we rekindled our friendship when she became a member of Faith Tabernacle Church where my husband is the Pastor. Our friendship and connection rekindled all over again. While at Faith Tab, Viviene was extremely sociable, pleasant and always willing to participate in whatever area of ministry that was available. She was also a great wife, incredible mother, amazing grandmother and a wonderful mother in-law. After she left South Florida and relocated north, we spoke occasionally, but when we met at the Ocala Ladies Conference, we connected again with lots of laugher, sharing memories and talking about our grandchildren. Now my friend has gone home to meet her Savior Jesus Christ, whose arms I am sure was open wide to welcome her for a job well done. God bless the Lennon family and I will continue to keep you in our prayers. My regards - Lady Sonia Barnes
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PENTAB
R e m e m be r s The greatest gift a Pastor can receive is the unwavering prayers offered by his members on his behalf. The ministry of Pentecostal Tabernacle was enhanced because of the support and prayers of this child of God. I can say with great confidence that Sis Viviene Lennon prayed for me. When Sis Lennon became a part of the Pentab family in 1996, her love for and devotion to the kingdom of God was undeniably evident. It was not necessarily in the grandeur of preaching from the pulpit but in the humility of a life woven with prayer. Sis Lennon exuded grace, integrity, and dedication. Her radiant smile brightened every room. The greatest testimony of an individual's life is the evidence of an eternal perspective. She lived her life with heaven in view. Throughout her recent illness, she remained courageous as a true servant of Jesus being faithful to and hopeful in God until the very end. The legacy and the fruit of her labor is evident in her children, grandchildren and extended family. The Pentecostal Tabernacle family extends heartfelt condolences to the Lennon family as God has beckoned a loved one to return to His rest. We are confident that she will hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." With this assurance, we encourage the family to keep her memory alive. The Lord will undergird and grant you strength.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Professional Funeral Services Wilson Funeral Home 3000 North 29th Street Tampa, FL 33605 813-248-6125
Pallbearers
Jerome Lennon Davion Lennon Matthew Lennon Cameron Lennon Danny Virgo Robert Mills
Interment
Serenity Meadows Memorial 6919 Providence Rd Riverview FL 33578 In observance of current COVID-19 guidelines, the interment will be private – family and clergy only. We invite you to join us for a time of fellowship after.
Repast
New Life Tabernacle Family Life Center 6912 Williams Road Seffner, FL 33584
Memorial Keepsake Concept Design & Editing
Annette Taylor-Spence Love CareFronting LLC 954-439-5615
Printing
Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. Miami Gardens, FL www.PenTab.org 305-651-9696
Art Direction & Layout
Shawn Ferguson Gracious Grafx Studios GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016
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But those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 CSB
Thank You We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your condolences, your support, your love, all the beautiful flowers, the donations and most importantly, your prayers during this difficult time. We are honored to know that on this life’s journey, our support base remains strong! Our loss is great, but our hope is even greater. We rejoice today in knowing that one day, we will meet her again in Glory! We pray you will be blessed. Love, The Lennon Family.