Linnette Augustine Pryce

Linnette Augustine Pryce was born to the late Willie Messias and Vera Gordon, in Kingston, Jamaica on August 29, 1931. Her parents were entrepreneurs who owned and operated their transportation service business and a grocery store. Linnette, who was lovingly known as “Mama” or “Minnie” to family and friends, inherited the same entrepreneurial spirit.

She graduated from Kingston Senior High School and proceeded to master life’s trials, tribulations and work experiences with ‘street smarts’, lessons learned and sheer perseverance. Ever busy, she ran various businesses from home, and worked many years at Mr. Gore’s Tobacco Factory. Mama created opportunities for herself and provided pathways for advancement to her whole family.

She married the love of her life, Herman Pryce (of Port Royal, Jamaica) in 1950 at 23 Oakland Crescent, Kingston, Jamaica. They would go on to have and raise four beautiful children: Joan Pryce-Thomas, Marcia Pryce-Moodie, Maureen Pryce-Rattrey, and Raymond Pryce.

Mama stood 4 ft 11 inches tall, but it was her huge, joyful presence and strong will that stood out and left a lasting impression. In 1986, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to immigrate to the United States, where she worked tirelessly to obtain the American Dream—by making a way out of little means.

Mama's kindness exceeded all expectations and boundaries. She once helped a dear friend to complete her citizenship process by giving her all of her savings. This example of generosity without bounds cannot be understated. She lived in a state of unrelenting kindness, love, loyalty and trust.

An avid reader and life-long learner, she led a simple life, dedicating her time to improvement and growth. Mama was also a lover of animals and had many, including a dog named Roger, a pig named Mosou, and a chicken named Juanita. Above all, she was a women of great faith and loved the Lord. She was a true example of what hard work, and what a woman of faith can achieve.

Mama is survived by three of her four children: Joan Pryce-Thomas, Marcia Pryce-Moodie, and Raymond Pryce. Her grandchildren: Claudia, Schneika, George, Tekeema, Runako, Omari, Junior, Carol, Andrea, Sheryl, Lennox, Nikqufa, Nikwaceon “Kadafi”, and Kevon. A host of great, 2nd great, and 3rd great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Herman Pryce and daughter Maureen Pryce-Rattrey, and son-in-law, Patrick L. Thomas.

We are grateful to celebrate her homegoing. Mama would always say, “Keep your head on straight, move forward, and trust in God; It will get better.” We carry her guiding words in our hearts as we have faith and take solace in knowing that she is now home with the Lord.