Basil Parchment

Basil Glenard Parchment was born on March 22, 1943, to Marcel and Mavis Parchment in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. His early years were marked with miracles, and they would continue to follow him all the days of his life. Basil weighed five pounds at birth and survived to be a healthy child. During his toddler years, Basil crawled down to the beach into the ocean and was rescued by a passerby who noticed what appeared to be a white cloth floating on the water.

As a teenager, he loved to read and devoured every book in the Sandy Bank School library. This knowledge would assist him in excelling in academic studies that enabled him to pass exams that qualified him to attend the Holm Wood High School on scholarship. After high school, he went to Mico Teacher’s College and enjoyed running the 400 meters in track and playing soccer for his college. After graduation, Basil taught at Sandy Bank Primary in his hometown of Treasure Beach.

He was eventually appointed by the government to be a principal at Spot Bay Primary School in the Cayman Islands, at the age of 24. Basil was a gifted educator who is still remembered for the excellent results his students had in spelling bees and exit exams. His portrait hangs among the other principals in the school’s library in Spot Bay, Cayman Brac. In 1971, he migrated to the United States and made a second career as a manager in retail. Basil also worked in real estate for 22 years until retiring.

In 1989, he married Peggy, and they settled down in Plantation, Florida. During this time, he volunteered and mentored students at Mirror Lakes Elementary School for eleven years. Basil and Peggy enjoyed being members of the Plantation United Methodist Church and spending time with family and friends who frequently visited their home. They enjoyed traveling to Jamaica, England, the Caribbean and many parts of the United States.

In 2011, Basil was diagnosed with cancer and miraculously recovered and was in remission for seven years. Then, the cancer returned. He was able to celebrate his 80th birthday, which he was so thankful for. He had to go for treatments due to side effects from chemotherapy. Family and friends joined in prayer as he went through his healthcare issues. He kept beating the odds. He made it to his 82nd birthday on March 22, 2025.

Basil found treasures in the Kingdom of God, family, and friends. Basil’s commitment and love for his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces were evident in his life. He also loved being a mentor and father figure to many. He enjoyed serving as a Sunday school leader in the SALT class, daily devotion, attending church, and giving. Basil is remembered as a treasure to all and an overcomer who lived a life of faith in the Lord.

Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Basil is survived by his wife, Peggy of 36 years, daughters, Trenny and Tanya, and stepson, Ernesto. Sons-in-law, Lawrence and Patrick. Daughter-in-law, Asiya, which made him a grandfather of nine grandchildren. Amanda, Serena, Seth, Aidan, Violet, Trenny, Ethan, Lillian, and Seeta. Siblings: Eddie, Vincent, Zona, Eloff, Hugh, Mary, Orville, Gem, Lyn, Gillian, and Vanda.

Preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Douglas and Radwell