Delphina Hyacinth Ferguson-Stair

Delphina Hyacinth Ferguson-Stair was born to Anita and Joseph Ferguson in the beautiful village of Napierston, Jamaica where she spent her formative years. She was the youngest of her three brothers and eight sisters.

She attended Belfield Primary School excelling in her 1st, 2nd and 3rd year exams which paved her way to attend Moneague Teachers College. After graduating, she immediately launched her career as a teacher working in the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Manchester before settling in Montego Bay where she worked at Barracks Road Primary School for 28 years.

Delphina was not just a teacher but also a counselor to her students and their parents. She pursued teaching with a passion and had a deep desire to make each student’s life better, both in and out of the classroom. She approached her role as an educator with a sense of urgency and seriousness because she was keenly aware that a solid education could put her students on a trajectory for success. Her mantra to parents was always “give your child a decent education or let him/her learn a trade, no matter what.” Nothing made her happier than receiving reports of her former students’ accomplishments. She was frequently recognized for her work as an educator but rarely spoke about the awards as she always felt like there was so much more to be done. Not surprisingly, some of her own relatives who were under her tutelage also became accomplished educators.

After retiring from teaching in 2001 at age 63, she returned to school to accomplish her dream of creating ‘designer clothes.’ Delphina was a natural artist who enjoyed creating designs through painting, crocheting and sewing. She also loved music and served as church choir leader and Sunday School teacher. She was a devote Christian who feared God with unwavering faith. Even as her health waned and she was unable to attend church in person, worship remained an integral part of her life.

She believed in healthy eating and shunned processed foods. She grew her own fruits and vegetables; one could visit her home without notice and count on an offer of a homemade beverage. It quickly became clear to anyone who prepared her meals that flavor, texture, temperature, and presentation had to meet her standards. Yes, Delphina was also a food critic.

Delphina loved her dogs, and they were her other children. She meticulously prepared their meals - paying close attention to flavor and nutrition and ensured that their food was served at just the right temperature. If she went away for any extended period of time, upon her return, her dogs had ‘better look healthy.’ When vets were not accessible, she learned how to fix broken bones and other ailments to keep her dogs healthy.

While known as a strict disciplinarian who valued structure, Delphina’s sense of humor and her trademark laugh was something her friends and family adored.

Delphina, fondly known by her family as Auntie Dellie, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. To her relatives, she was the epitome of generosity, grace and selflessness. She assumed the role of matriarch in her family and generously shared her time and resources with them. If there was an emergency, they knew she would drop everything to attend to their need.

In 2018 Delphina left her beloved Jamaica to live with her daughter Fern, in Charlotte, North Carolina where she resided until she took her last journey to join her heavenly father.

Delphina was preceded in death by her husband Sylvester, her parents and all eleven siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Fern Thompson-Wright and grandson, Bjorn Wright. Delphina is also mourned by a host of beloved nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends in Jamaica, Canada, the UK and in the United States who were all very special to her.

The family extends its sincere thanks to all those who cared for her and all those who have come from near and far to celebrate Delphina’s life. A very special thank you to those who cared for her during her final days with professionalism, love, compassion and tenderness. You not only comforted her and eased her passing but your humanity gave her family a measure of comfort as well.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 3:30 pm at McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel, located at 10500 Park Road in Charlotte.

Delphina, your legacy and memory will live on in our hearts forever. We are blessed to have had you among us and will always remember you and cherish who you were.