Abraham Lincoln Mitchell

A time to be born: Abraham Lincoln Mitchell was born on May 9, 1934 in St. Ann, Jamaica West Indies to parents Justina and Ivan Mitchell. He was the second of two children.

A Time to build up: Abraham Lincoln attended Mt. Rosser Primary school in St. Catherine, and the Jamaica School of Agriculture where he pursued a course in Horticulture. He was then employed as a Field Officer by the Citrus Growers Association of Jamaica in Bog Walk. He excelled in this job, traveling throughout the island, ensuring that the citrus orchards met quality standards, diagnosing and finding solutions to problems. He developed a love for Horticulture which he carried with him throughout his life. After immigrating to the United States, he continued his education in the field of Auto Mechanic. He worked in an Auto Dealership in New York and later launched off on his own, where his clientele included relatives and friends.

A time to love: In 1970 Abraham Lincoln married his love, Vivia Patricia Haughton. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage. He was a loving, attentive and devoted husband, driving his wife to work every day in New York. He he was a man of principle who loved his family and maintained a close relationship with his children, grandchildren and extended family.

He loved to travel, study he Bible, talk about spiritual matters, and sing spiritual songs. His other love was gardening; he had a backyard garden with a variety of trees and plants including, avocado, pawpaw and orange trees sweet potatoes, sugar cane and sorrel, to name a few.

A time to embrace: Abraham Lincoln embraced life. Although quiet by nature, he was sociable and his happy, smiling demeanor endeared him to many. He loved to engage in a good conversation, loved to play cricket and he was the Captain of the Cricket Team in Ewarton St. Catherine for many years until he immigrated to the United States. He loved people and had good life-long friends. He was kind-hearted and thoughtful; he provided a service to the Ewarton community by transporting many persons to the train station. Also, he would be called on to transport the sick and those with medical emergencies to the hospital, day or night. He is long remembered for this service of love.

A time to plant: Abraham Lincoln became a member of the SDA church in the United States and was very active in the Emmanuel SDA church in North Bronx, NY and in the Riverview SDA church after his relocation to Florida in 2004. He served as a Deacon and in the Community Service Department in both churches. He continued to be kind-hearted and considerate of others. It was his joy to prepare delicious soups and deliver to the sick and shut-in members both in New York and Florida. He would use his vehicle to transport church members when they did not have a ride. His love for God made him passionate for his family’s spiritual growth and he was happy when his wife, Vivia made a commitment to join the Riverview SDA church soon after their relocation to Florida.

A time to die: Abraham Lincoln ‘s earthly journey came to an end peacefully on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, nine days after his 87th birthday. We will miss, always remember and lovingly cherish Mitch, Lincoln, Uncle Link, Bro Mitch, Daddy, Pop-Pop, and Grand-Pa.

He is survived by his wife Vivia, five children: Glen (Geraldine) Ian, St. Leger (Jennifer) Sonia (Kenrick) and Kevin; seven grand-children: Moses (Khaira) and Noel, Gebann, Nadia and Antwayne, Roshida and Jamila; great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends who loved him.

A light has gone out but it burns brightly in our hearts. We all have the precious memory of how brightly it shone, and the warmth it gave us, the love it gave us and the hope it gave us. The Hope for that “Great Getting up morning “when the dead in Christ shall rise. Then will begin a new journey that will never end for Abraham Lincoln Mitchell and for all who are faithful.