Rilla E. Fairman

On November 27, 1943 in Sheffield, Westmoreland, Jamaica West Indies, Princess McKenzie and Ernest Connell brought Rilla Emley Connell, “Aunt Mitzie” into the world. During her early years of life she attended Sheffield All Age School and then West Indies College doing some course work.

On June 15, 1962 she gave birth to Dalton Victor Myrie “Steve” and on May 28, 1964 she gave birth to Maxine Helen Rose Myrie. Both births were in Sheffield, Westmoreland, Jamaica West Indies. Not long after, Rilla emigrated to the United States in 1966. She completed her course work and was Certified as a Nursing Assistant for the State of New York on August 28, 1968. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Whitestone Hospital and Flushing Manor Care Center in Queens, New York. In August 1969, she wedded Sydney Fairman. On September 2nd, 1971 she gave birth to Hugh Patrick Fairman in the Bronx, New York. On May 12, 1973 Mitzie’s children, Steve and Maxine, emigrated to the United States.

After thirty years of living in the Bronx, New York, Aunt Mitzie retired and relocated to Ocala, Florida. While living in Ocala, Aunt Mitzie became a member of the Silver Spring Shores Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was a very active member and was involved in various activities within and for the church. Aunt Mitzie was a very charitable person. She enjoyed giving to those less fortunate as well as being very charitable of her time. She enjoyed socializing and lending a hand whenever she could. Aunt Mitzie loved to keep in touch with her family, friends and loved ones. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and crocheting, for as long as her body allowed. In the latter stages of her life she developed a love of fishing. Not two weeks ago her fishing prowess was on full display providing a fruitful bounty for Thanksgiving dinner.

Rilla Emley Fairman is preceded by her parents Ernest Connell and Princess McKenzie, her brother Calvin and sisters Luna, Glenice and Cynthia.

Rilla Emley Fairman is survived by her son Dalton and wife Marcene, grandchildren, Theo and Louis, great-granddaughter, Ara Jane, her daughter Maxine and husband Christopher, her son Hugh and his life mate Kristina, brothers Bartley, Dave and Norval, sisters Joyce, Fay, Marcia and Lellith, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also, a host of friends, both old and new, as well as her church family that meant the world to her.