TRIBUTES

Tribute from Michelle de Mercado

“I remember the day we were on the road and my favourite song at the time (“You Make Me Better” by Ne-Yo and Fabulous) was playing and I told you to buck the radio and you did. The police pulled us over and I told them about your hearing problem. It was a good thing you had in your hearing aid! Every time I hear that song, I remember you. Rest in peace my love.”

Tribute from Kerie Thombs

“In life you were loved but misunderstood. In death you are cherished and your legacy lives on. You are one of the bravest persons I have known, silent with your power.

An alchemist on your own with a love that shun bright. Amidst the heartache, disappointment and pain your presence was like an incomparable flame. We silently cheered you on, I sometimes wish my cheers were louder to help you carry on. You were loved and you will be missed. Life is surreal as we head into the abyss. While we are here let’s be sure to tell loved ones the words they need to hear.

I LOVE YOU SIS.”

Tribute from Nicolette Palmer

Dearest Jhen, Your “Wings” were ready, but my darling sister My Heart ♥ was NOT.

So many whys, So many questions, So many plans.

Ah Jhen, I’m struggling, but I take comfort in knowing that your absence from this world means you are present with the Almighty.

I’ll treasure the moments and times we’ve shared.

I am forever grateful for the time spent looking at your SWEET face and being in your presence. I promise to keep your memory ALIVE. You fought my SWEETS, now take your rest my gentle warrior.

I’ll love you forever, my SWEET Jhen♥

Love, Nicky

LOOKING AT YOUR SWEET FACE AND BEING IN YOUR PRESENCE.”

Tribute from Marlene De la Cruz

I met Jheanell when she worked with me at Adelphi in market research. She was a special lady who was warm, kind, intelligent and had a generous spirit. Despite the many health struggles she faced, she was strong and determined and wanted to help others. Her strength and determination were especially evident when she wrote and published her book, “Wounded Survivor.” I was so proud of her and know she has helped many individuals through her story. Regardless of how she was feeling, Jheanell always cared how I was doing and would often ask about my family. She enjoyed hearing about and receiving pictures of our rescue pup. I will miss her beautiful smile and spirit. Rest in peace, beautiful lady!

Love,

Marlene De la Cruz

Tribute from Krista, college friend of Jheanell

To my dearest friend, Jheanell. You were one of the kindest, selfless, and bravest persons I know. Thank you for close to two decades of friendship. From our funfilled time at FAU, studying and partying, or maybe more partying than studying, cooking in our dorms, and attending CSA socials, to being there over the years to celebrate and support and each other during many major milestones including our graduations, your job in PA, the births of my daughters, special birthdays, illnesses, surgeries, and your mom’s passing. While we did not to see each other much over the years, that never affected our close friendship. I will forever cherish my trip to visit you in PA and Orlando, our prayer calls during the pandemic, and our daily texts and phone calls up until your passing. My friend, my sister, you endured the journey, fought the battle, and gained the victory. I rejoice that you won the greatest victory of your life. God has healed you and you are more alive today than you ever were here on earth. I love you and I miss you.

Love, Krista

Tribute from Peta-Gaye Wright

Our beloved friend, you may have left us far too soon, but your loving presence will endure forever in our hearts and souls. We will keep the memory of you alive by cherishing the moments we spent together and remembering your legacy always. We honor and cherish your memory.

Jheanell was the definition of likkle but tallwah. Her strength, resilience and kindness were much to be admired. Through all her life’s challenges, obstacles, and hardships, she still found the strength to love, show constant concern and compassion for all those in her circle. Her ability to remain positive and push through said a lot about her character.

We shared a common bond over losing our brothers way too soon and supported each other throughout the years. She never forgot the anniversary of my brother’s passing or birthday and always sent an encouraging message or prayer in his honor. Jheanell valued friendship and made every effort to be there for those she loved. While she lived in Philadelphia, she would make the hour plus drive at nights to come have dinner with me while I was on work trips in Delaware. I will forever cherish those memories and conversations.

Over the last 3 years during hardships of the pandemic and her declining health, she was my angel on earth. She checked on me daily, did research, offered solutions as I dealt with health and sleep issues for my newborn daughter. Although she was unable to fulfill her dreams of becoming a doctor, she was smart, gentle, and extremely knowledgeable about things in the medical field. She would often read my daughters lab reports, interpret the findings, and provide questions for me to ask the doctors. She spent hours researching my daughter’s diagnosis and made recommendations of alternative treatments to try. She remembered every appointment, medical procedure that was scheduled and was the 1st to check in to find out how things were going. This extended even further this year as my husband experienced health challenges and underwent multiple hospital stays and surgeries. Her support and love helped to get me through the difficult days. Although her time on earth was much too short for all she had the potential to offer, she had a heart of GOLD and touched so many lives. Even on her worst days, she still thought of ways to encourage, lift spirits, and show her love. I have always heard that God takes the good ones home early and so is the case with Jheanell. I will miss her dearly, however, take comfort and peace in knowing she no longer has the face the daily burdens of life on earth to which she endured pain and suffering. May her life be a legacy for all who knew her and the motto I refer to her with that “Kindness Wins”. I know she is reunited with all her loved ones and is finally experiencing eternal peace. Forever loved my sweet Jheanell.

Tribute from Valerie Rennals (Aunt)

Dearest Jheanell “J”,

You had a strong foundation in faith, as both your parents were believers. I remember as a young lady you eagerly and actively participated in church related activities, especially youth group events. At an early age it was evident that you possessed a grit and determination to pursue what you wanted to do, despite the potential consequences. You were a small frame, but you were very strong mentally. We shared a bond where even moments of silence held deep meaning in our conversations. In recent years distance affected the frequency of our interactions, but this did not diminish the unwavering love we shared. Our conversations always ended with “I love you”. I could never have imagined that our last conversation on Thursday the 27th of June would have been the last. Your early departure has kept in focus the importance of holding those dear to us near, as no man knows when their “time” will come.

Tribute from The Brown Family (Aunts, Uncles and cousins)

Dearest Jheanell,

On July 5, 2023, our lives were forever changed with the news of your passing. Our hearts are broken and though we wish we had more time with you, we are grateful the painful suffering you’ve endured is over and you are now at rest. We will never forget you. Your beautiful smile and that contagious laughter. Above all Jheanell, you were loved immensely. Sleep peacefully, until we meet again.

Love always, The Brown family

Tribute from Kevin Gravesandy

My dear cousin,

I purpose to keep the good times we had, and those “silent” conversations in my heart. Rest “J”. Until then, I love you.

The journey of your life must have felt at times like an endlessly winding, hill & gully ride, peppered with enormous potholes. I will remember the moments when you tried to navigate around, between and over the problematic path with what seemed like four flat tires. You persevered.

Now it’s time for you to rest well and the end of that journey. We’ll link again another time.

Tribute from Toni Jacobs

Her Strength, Courage and unwavering Determination

Today, as we gather here to bid farewell to our dear friend Jheanell, we come together with heavy hearts, filled with both sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow for the loss we feel, but gratitude for the privilege of having known a remarkable soul like Jheanell. She brought strength and inspiration.

I first met Jheanell through her loving brother, Dwayne, about a decade ago. Dwayne expressed his concern for his sister, who was facing illness at the time. Little did I know that our initial connection would evolve into a deep and cherished bond. From that moment forward, Jheanell ceased to be just Dwayne’s sister” and became Toni’s friend. We journeyed together, supporting one another through life’s challenges and celebrating its joys. Jheanell was always about family, she would talk about her brothers Dwayne and Rue and her Aunty Vie who held a special place in her heart.

finding messages that uplifted her soul. And in her own way, she became a beacon of hope to others. Even during her own battles, Jheanell reached out to minister to those in hospitals and nursing homes. I recall her contacting me on one particular occasion to request prayer for a young lady’s sister who was unwell. Jheanell’s compassion knew no bounds, and she became an integral part of that family’s journey. Her ability to extend a helping hand, even in the midst of her own pain, was truly remarkable.

Despite the trials she faced, Jheanell’s spirit remained unyielding. She sought solace and encouragement through online church services,

Today, as we gather to celebrate Jheanell’s life, many of us carry cherished memories of the time spent with her. I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering strength firsthand. Despite her illness, she fought with every ounce of her being until her strength could no longer sustain her. Amidst the challenges she faced, Jheanell remained a tireless advocate for herself. I recall one conversation in particular, when she sat in the nursing home in Philly, watching her favorite shows. It was during that time that the doctors delivered the devastating news, informing her that her time on earth was limited. At that moment, I asked her what legacy she wanted to leave behind, how she wished to be remembered. With thoughtful contemplation,

Jheanell shared her desire to be an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. It was a cause close to her heart, and she yearned to give a voice to those who had suffered silently. With courage and resilience, Jheanell turned her painful experiences into a mission and purpose. Through her book and her advocacy, she left a lasting legacy, empowering countless individuals to seek help and find their own healing.

As I reflect on our treasured phone calls and the laughter we shared, my heart aches with the knowledge that our conversations have come to an end. But Jheanell’s spirit will forever live on in the memories we hold dear. She will forever be a part of our lives, guiding us with her strength, courage, and unwavering determination.

Tribute from Natisha from Lupus Group in Jamaica

To my dear friend JHEANELL.

I met JHEANELL almost 4 years now through a lupus group on whatsapp along with many other warriors, but I choose “J” out of all the other warriors and then we started to talk privately on our whatsapp platform. We shared with each other things about our sickness and how it affected our daily lives. “J” became my friend and my sister. She was such a beautiful soul. Not a day went by, and we didn’t talk to each other. No hour was too late when you needed my support, and no hour was too late when I needed your support. A true friend indeed. She went through alot; I’ve even asked her how she did it, and her reply was I don’t have a choice. I could go on and on, but one thing I can say she fought with all she had. So, take your rest my sister until we meet again, I love you JHEANELL Reynolds.

From Natisha with so much love. My condolences to your family and friends.”

The family of Jheanell wishes to extend thanks and appreciation to all whose prayers and kind expressions of sympathy have given us comfort in this time of bereavement.

Special thanks to Pastor Tom Hunter and the team at Plantation Baptist Church for hosting us.