Shirley Rose Ho

          “Sis” 

January 16, 1942 – August 17, 2024

Shirley Rose Ho (Sis) peacefully entered eternal rest at the age of 82 on Saturday August 17th, 2024. She left behind a LEGACY OF LOVE.

Shirley was born on January 16th, 1942, in St. Catherine, Jamaica to parents Moses “Pa” Martin and Rosetta Martin who were devoted members of the Braeton Church of Christ. Shirley lived the earlier part of her life in the small town of Braeton with her 3 sisters Gloria Nembhard (deceased), Ivy Holness (deceased) and Hazel Powell. Her 5 brothers, Phillip Martin (deceased), Marshall Martin (deceased), Donald Martin, Rainford Martin and Ashley Martin, along with two of her children Jennifer O’Neal and Joseph “Sukie” Williams.  

Her mother passed at an early stage of her life and Shirley assumed the matriarchal role of the family at the age of 20 years old.  She is well known for her authentic Jamaican cooking especially her curry goat, rice and peas, jerk pork, fry fish and beef soup. She loved telling old family stories and was immensely proud of her family’s successes and accomplishments.

Shirley married the love of her life the late Edward Chong Kai Ho in Spanish Town, Jamaica while working at the United Fruit Jamaica Company (Bernard Lodge Sugar Company) in accounting, she also joined her husband in working in their patty business. Shirley and her family then moved to Miami, Florida where she continued to work in accounting. After her retirement, she went on to become a Certified Nursing Assistant providing personal in-home care to seniors for more than 10 years.

She is also survived by her son Christopher Ho of New Jersey, son-in-law Honorable Dr. Hubert O’Neal of Tortola BVI, daughter-in-law Sharon Williams of Wisconsin, daughter-in-law Stuti Israel-Ho of New Jersey. Seven grandchildren, Bobby O’Neal, Maurice O’Neal and Dr. Dianne O’Neal of Florida, Steven Williams and Brian Williams of Wisconsin, Ayla Ho and Ayn Ho of New Jersey and granddaughter-in-law Lianna O’Neal. She very much adored her four great grandchildren Andre Price and Damien Williams of Wisconsin, Robin, and Arum O’Neal of Florida and many nieces and nephews, other family, and friends (too many to name).