Albertha Wollaston, born October 1, 1923 in St. Ann, Jamaica, West Indies, died peacefully at home in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 after a very brief illness. She is preceded in death by her mother, Doris; brothers, Eric and Reginald; daughter, Zandra Anne and grandson, Jhealani. She is survived by her daughter, Violet; son, Donald; sister, Mavis, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Mommy, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Bertha, Aunt B, Ms. Bertha, Bertha, Sister Wollaston, will be missed dearly by all who knew her, and many who only knew of her. Viewing/Visitation will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734 on Friday June 20, 2014 at 6pm – 8pm. Additional Viewing/Visitation will be at the Church of Christ at Ninth Street, 97 Ninth Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10am – 11am. Funeral Service follows immediately, with Interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made "In Loving Memory of Albertha Wollaston" to Church of Christ at Ninth Street-Seniors Ministry, P.O. Box 771013, Winter Garden, FL 34777 / www.ninthstreetcoc.com. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL. 407-293-1361. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com
Please view Ms. Bertha's memorial tribute video by clicking on the link below:
http://video214.com/play/7U1Sb0WhnIfPPsFDf4jEMQ/s/dark
Reflections of Albertha (Mom)
Albertha Wollaston, born October 1, 1923 in St. Ann, Jamaica, West Indies, died peacefully at home in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 after a very brief illness.
She is preceded in death by her Mother (Doris), brothers (Eric and Reginald), daughter (Zandra Anne), and grandson (Jhealani).
She is survived by her daughter Violet, son Donald, sister Mavis, 7 grandchildren: Marlon, Dwayne, Rue, Kevin, Marcia, Jheanell, & Tiffany; and 2 great grandchildren Adira (14) & Tariq (12).
Mommy, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Bertha, Aunt B, Ms. Bertha, Bertha, Sister Wollaston, as she was affectionately called by many, will be missed dearly by all who knew her, and the countless who only knew of her.
She grew up mostly in Kingston, Jamaica and learned at a very early age the art of caring for others. Being the eldest of four, she had the responsibility of watching over her siblings, which helped to inspire her patience and perseverance. That later became a part of the foundation for raising her 3 children; and you know how challenging that was. She was our rock…..a very solid rock!!
Mom was a woman of great faith in God and a woman of integrity, whose love, kindness, compassion, patience, and care for others will forever live in our hearts. She was full of life and believed in living life to the fullest. Every day she woke up was a good day. She always found the time to be there for others, and gave all she could to help in any way she could. She loved to dance, was always smiling and happy. She also loved to cook! Once you got to the house she fed you, whether you were hungry or not. “Eat up” she would say, and you simply surrendered. You would be glad you did, because the food was ALWAYS GOOD!!
My Mom prayed A LOT!!! She took everything to God. I watched, I listened, I learned.
She was a Seamstress by trade. She worked at home and because she did such a great job, business kept rolling in. She made most of our clothing growing up as well, (clothes off the rack was simply not an option). She sewed all our uniforms for school and our little outfits for every occasion. She worked hard and did very long hours, all while making sure we were fed, homework done, cleaned up, and in bed on time. Mom retired from sewing when she migrated to the United States in 1984, but only after we were all grown and doing well. She refused to leave us when we were younger. Such dedication and commitment will never be forgotten.
She arrived in the US and started a career in Caregiving. Over the years, she had many clients who grew to adore her. I remember a couple in Ocala telling her that the only thing they would fight about if they ever divorced, was her. They became dear friends of my Mom. They treated her like family and when we visited, they treated us like family too. My Mom worked with them until their passing.
Mom’s love was infectious and unconditional. If you knew her, or knew of her, you couldn’t help but love her. Her smile lit up the room. Her hugs were her powerful & sincere. Everyone looked forward to getting theirs. Every week when she went to church, everyone would hang around to chat with her and get their hug, simply because it brightened their day.
Her gentle spirit & grace drew everyone to her. They loved her warmth. Family and friends craved her.
When we found out about my Mom’s illness on April 30, 2014, she never got angry, bitter, scared, or worried. Through it all, even as the pain increased and her flesh got weak, she ALWAYS spoke of trusting God. She spoke of His mercy and grace. She loved Him and believed that He would carry her through; and He did. She exemplified His love. He shone through her. I was in awe of her commitment and grace during this trying time. She NEVER lost hope in who God is. This illness never stole her faith. Only God could enable such a sweet and peaceful transition.
God was merciful when he called Mom home on June 11, 2014. Her suffering was not long. Her work was done. She is now in the arms of the Father, wrapped in His love, HAPPY and FREE!! Well done Mom; WELL DONE!!
DEDICATIONS
Her Grandson Dwayne wrote:
I will always remember Grandma for the way she lived life. She loved authentically. Her love for her family, her friends, and life was felt with each conversation, prayer, and hug. Life will never be the same. But I'm forever a better man for all she has done, shared, and taught me. Love for Eternity and beyond.
Her Grandson Marlon wrote:
Grandma, you leaving us at this stage is not what I expected. Every single minute with you was precious, but I know you had another job waiting in heaven. You gave us your all, and now you have been called to share your warmth and love with other family and friends who took the trip before you. I'm pretty sure Jesus needs some of your Christmas cake and He figured we had our fair share. Grandma, I miss you and I know you will never ever be forgotten. I LOVE YOU.
Her Grandson Kevin wrote:
Grandma was simply "love plus tax." You would feel, hear, and see her overflowing care for everyone as soon as you were in her presence, or spoke with her over the phone. You could even taste the love in her Stew Peas.She made it clear to us whenever we let her down, but was first to celebrate when we made her proud. Grandma's legacy will live well-beyond her 90 years with us. We will carry on her spirit of family, friends, fun, sharing, honesty, and leadership. We've been fortunate to have you, Grandma. So fortunate.
Her Grandson Rue wrote:
Aunt B is the embodiment of the spirit of giving; she gave gladly of her time, love and warmth. The world is much darker without her.
Her Granddaughter Marcia wrote:
I was so very grateful that I had a chance to spend quality time with her, reminiscing and laughing. Those moments, however brief, will always be precious to me. I will miss her dearly.
Her Granddaughter Jheanell wrote:
Grandma holds a special place in my heart. She was not only my grandma, but my mentor, confidant, and friend. Grandma, thank you for believing in me, always encouraging me, and loving me unconditionally. I love you with all my heart and will do everything to honor you as you loved and honored me.
Her Granddaughter Tiffany wrote:
A woman of far deeper beauty than any other can conceive. My grandmother was a picture of grace and my teacher of patience. Like the concrete rose, she overcame every external barrier to beam God's energy unto each life she touched. In her legacy I can only hope that I continue to grow in the path she's laid. I honored her in life and will forever honor her in this passing of the flesh, for she is and has always been with me in spirit, there for me with support, and eternally surrounded me with love. A phenomenal woman for sure, Grandma it's in the click of your heels, the bend of your hair, the palm of your hand, the need for your care, cause phenomenally you're a woman. Phenomenal woman, that's you!!
The Dash
By Linda Ellis
It’s not the date that you were born or the date you died that really matters. It’s ‘the dash’ in between those years and what you do with it, to make a difference with your life. That dash represents all the time spent alive on earth and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
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