Emerson Jones

Emerson Llewellyn Jones was born July 14, 1918 in Brooklyn, New York, USA, to the late Louisa Gouke-Jones and Festus Jones. He peacefully entered into the realm of the ancestral world on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 9:20 AM. Emerson was the last of their three children, and his eldest siblings, Julian and Agatha (who preceded him in death) were born in Panama, since his father took advantage of a work opportunity and he and his family relocated there. However, when Emerson was just two years of age, his mother remembering her own childhood experience growing up in Barbados, decided it was best to take him and his older sister Agatha to her birth village in Barbados. She left them in the loving care of her mother, Mercy Ann Drayton-Gouke (affectionately called Sista), her father Joseph Gouke (known as PA PA) and her sister Caroline Gouke (referred to as auntie Carr). Her other siblings also resided in the village and her sister Rosaline Sinclair and Adele also had children very close in ages to Emerson and Agatha. Thus, the extended family circle provided the loving support that benefitted all of the children. Indeed Emerson grew attached to his cousin Ralph, but it was his cousin Elsa who captured his heart. Since only two weeks separated their birth, Emerson and Elsa would tell the village folk that they were brother and sister. Their relationship as brother and sister, even while they were separated for many years, remained a lasting bond that would only grow stronger throughout their entire lives. In fact, when Elsa was memorialized in Brooklyn on May 19, 2011, Emerson insisted that he had to attend. It should be noted that this was the last time he travelled out of state. Family members who had not seen him in many years were blown away at how well he looked at 93 years of age. Indeed he and Elsa remained inseparable until the end. Yes, what they enjoyed and remembered during their years together in the village of Lodge Road, Christ Church, would become lasting memories. During those years, as Emerson and Elsa developed, members of the village community would share stories of them holding hands going to school and church, and how much they would fuss over each other. At four years of age, when his mother Louisa died suddenly in Brooklyn, New York in 1922, his father wisely decided to have Emerson remain in Barbados, since it became evident that the rich experiences he shared with his cousins were a source of joy and stability for him. This continued until 1932, when his father remarried Ethel Jones, he then sent for Emerson and Agatha to join them in Harlem, New York. Until his father’s death in 1947, Emerson and his other siblings and stepsiblings continued to live in Harlem. It was during that time that Emerson would frequently visit his mother’s siblings, Adele Gouke-Howell and Rosaline Sinclair Gouke-Morrison, who by that time had relocated to the United States of America and resided in Brooklyn, New York. It was on one of those visits to his beloved aunt Sinclair who lived at 574 Baltic Street, that she reminded him of the annual family picnic which was being held in August. He attended the picnic and decided to bring his friend Olga Ileane Layne with him. When they arrived at the park to Emerson’s surprise, many of the family members already knew Ileane and were thrilled to see her. He then found out that her parents were very good friends of the family and so they welcomed her with open arms. All reminded him that she was quiet and very attractive and was deemed a “true friend of the family.” As their relationship developed, in 1944, they cemented their love in marriage. They would remain in New York to raise their children, Sheila Jones-Vasser, who resides in Queens with her husband and son Anthony, and Richard Emerson Jones, who was tragically killed in a car accident when he was just 21 years of age. Emerson served in the US Army from September 4, 1942 and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1945. He was stationed in central Europe, specifically in the Ardennes and in the Rhineland. He was with the Quartermaster Corps, Headquarters 21st Replacement Depot. Citations he received were the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the American Service Medal. He worked for over thirty five years until his retirement, at the US Postal Service Main Headquarters in Brooklyn New York Upon his retirement, his brother Julian, who had already retired to Barbados and built a home there, tried to convince him to join him there as well. After visiting Barbados to determine if this would best suit his and Ileane’s retirement life style, they chose instead to sell their house in Queens, New York, and build their retirement home at 11150 Ironbridge Road, in Orlando Florida. Both Ileane and he enjoyed life in Florida. They reconnected with many friends including Alice Gray, whom they knew for almost seventy years. It must be noted that Alice was especially kind and supportive of Ileane and Emerson and she never ceased to be concerned about their well-being. Another dear and loving person to Emerson was the late Ruby Germaine. Indeed her niece Vivian Scott Chew would share many stories about what a joy “uncle Emp”, as she fondly referred to him, was to be around. He also treasured the friendship which spanned over six decades, by The late Areala(Ree) Lloyd, who even after relocating to North Carolina would faithfully stay in touch with them on a regular basis. His brother’s son Julian Jr. and Ralph’s wife Marjorie also lived in Orlando, so they had family connections close by. With their friends, Emerson and Ileane took several cruises and enjoyed giving, as well as going to house parties. Simply put they enjoyed themselves in their retirement years. It was only in recent years, when faced with severe health challenges that they sought the care of a nursing home and selected the Hunters Creek Nursing and Rehab Center, not too far from their house, for such services. They both lived out the rest of their lives at this Center. Unfortunately, a month ago, Ileane preceded him in death. Emerson throughout the years, would always exhibit his sense of wit and storytelling. Ever determined to be independent, he took pride in all that he did. He was a lover of music, fine cuisine and sports, especially basketball. He would constantly share stories about how all of these were influenced by his life in Harlem in the 1940’s. For example ,he would tell that he learned the game of basketball, by shooting hoops with the fellas on the streets and local parks. He would state that his “smooth flow” dance moves came from strutting the “swing dance style” at local ballrooms, like the Savoy and Alhambra. He also boasted and would show you his business card that indicated that he was the manager of a local singing group and their “bebop” harmonies were the envy of many other groups. The card which he kept in his wallet all of his life read:”Famous Emp, Alias Hawaiian Boy , DEAN OF 117TH STREET”.

All who knew him would have to make a comment on his sartorial splendor. In other words, he always dressed to impress. In recent years, when his own health became a challenge, more and more, he called on Elsa’s son Peter Prescod to assist him. Without hesitation, his request was honored. He appreciated the loving support given to him by Peter and his wife Ina. Although living in Lehigh Acres, Florida, they along with their sons Sean and Michael, would faithfully visit with Emerson regualarly. Peter and Ina would prepare home cooked meals for him and thus ensured that he ate well and received the best of health care that would prolong his life. While Elsa’s other children Rosaline and her husband George, as well as Margaret and her husband Maarten, would visit when they could, it was Peter and Ina’s unyielding devotion that ensured that in the last phase of his life, Emerson would state to his doctor, “I have lived a beautiful and long life. I have enjoyed myself. So now it is time to go, I want to tell you my dear Doctor, I have no regrets.” Indeed, Emerson Llewellyn Jones left his mark on all who knew him. A life well lived has been fulfilled. May his journey home to take his rest eternal, be peaceful, well, and happy.

Lovingly prepared by his niece, Gloria Rosaline Prescod-Preudhomme