Today you begin your 3rd year in the comfort of the arms of our Lord.  I continue to miss your earthly presence now as I did then. 
Continue to rest in peace.  
Love you always much uncle.

GOD HAS YOU IN HIS ARMS, I HAVE YOU IN MY HEART ALWAYS

We all had special times with Uncle Raf. Whether it was watching cricket and soccer or listening to jazz, my family and I looked forward to seeing Uncle Raf on the weekends. We enjoyed hanging out with both Uncle Raf and Aunt May on those days. Especially the time we celebrated Keoni’s birthday with a charcuterie and wine party. These fond memories we will cherish forever. Love you Uncle Raf.


Lorna, Nickoya and Keoni Beckford


Dad you were genuine, unique and down to earth.  You were “one of a kind”.  You will be missed. 

My grandfather was quiet but mighty. A man full of knowledge and wisdom, you often walked away learning something new. He always greeted me with such love, a big hug, a kiss and usually followed by a compliment. I will miss your jokes. I am grateful for the summers spent in Jamaica at my grandparents house, which is probably why my siblings and I have a such a great appreciation for the Jamaican culture. He was the epitome of a family man and what it is to live your life as a Christian. He is no longer here on earth but he has definitely left his mark. I find comfort knowing he is in heaven and at peace. 
My memories are my keepsake, which will never part. 
God has you in his keeping but I have you in my heart. 


Quiet, gentle strength. This exemplifies who my godfather was. My absolute favorite memory was watching this strength command a room.  I loved sitting with him on the veranda in Red Hills watching the rain fall.  He shared that gentle strength in his positive, witty outlook on life and infectious spirit. This quiet strength showed up in his compassion that often lightened the load for others. He had no need to be pretentious because his life rolled its own thunder.   I will miss him sorely. 

Uncle Raf and I shared a special friendship. I’m so grateful for all the memories we shared over the years; conversations about everything and nothing; having a little “sip” here and there. 
I truly felt like I was making memories with my “Dad”.   Though I miss him dearly I will forever cherish our time together.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

God, I thank you for my father’s life. I thank you for the man that he was. God, I thank you that he was a blessing to his family and others. God, I thank you that he was more than just a father to me. He was my friend, my brother, my spiritual advisor, my confidant and much more. Dad, you were, and still are my hero. You will surely be missed. 

John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled; You believe in God; believe also in me.” 

Cornell Evans Sr.


Dear GP,

I will always remember you for all your life lessons big and small. I always wondered why you opted to teach me how to swim at the beach instead of a pool. Now that I’m older I understand you wanted me to learn that life comes in waves you are prepared for and unprepared for. I’ll miss your laugh, your smile & your firm hand shake that lets anyone you meet know you mean business. Most importantly you were an excellent father to my mom, loving husband to my GG and a caring man to many. I will gladly follow in your footsteps and continue building a new legacy as a father, husband and gentleman. 

Love,

Micah Nation 


Dad, I will miss your talks, subtle jokes and the opportunity to share a drink with you at dinner. Your sly way of reminding me that I forgot to give you a kiss before I left your house. (Even though I already did). Your genuine love for our spouses, children and grandchildren were always noted. Visiting me at school as a surprise on my birthday was a treat. These are the things that will always be a part of my memories of you and cherished dearly. You are taken from me, but you will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. 
Rest in eternal peace Dad.

Love always, 
Cheryl

John 14:27 NLT “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don’t be troubled or afraid.”


Grandpa I am going to miss you so much. I can remember as a little girl visiting your house back when you lived in Jamaica and trying to carry me inside because I was terrified of your dogs. I will miss your amazing hugs and kisses, especially when I was tired and needed a nap at the house. I can still hear you say “Renee, those bags are too heavy to carry or Renee how was work today”, but that's because you always cared about my well-being. I'm glad Alani got to enjoy her early years with you, but sad that Aiden won't get to enjoy the same, but we will tell him all about you. I will still work on my Spanish to continue our conversations. Thank you so much for being my grandpa. I love you!!

Renee’


Raf was the best man at our wedding sixty (60) years ago and our relationship has never changed. He had a calm, quiet disposition, with a kind and generous spirit. On several trips to Negril, I would stop by Raf’s office, socialize a little bit, and he would always share a cool refreshing drink straight from the coconut. This was received with gratitude. 
It was always a delight to visit Raf and Rhoda May at their home in Cove, Green Island. There was an abundance of rich foliage of plants and flowers of all kinds to admire.  Raf would give me the botanical names of some of the plants as we walked outside, but all of that is gone out of my memory bank.
Raf loved to share his knowledge with others. His spiritual growth was valuable as we shared information from devotional lessons. I was excited when I could match hymns to scripture verses with him, for example, Hymn “Near my God to thee” – Genesis 28:10-20; Jacob’s dream.
In May 2022, Raf and my sister Rhoda May came to visit me for a week in Montego Bay. It was a compassionate and treasured time spent together. Raf worked on scripture lesson plans and shared them with us while he was there. He was loyal and passionate about God; it was evident in his lifestyle. His faith never wavered. 
May his soul rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon him.
From his friend and sister-in law,
Laura


To my uncle Raph,

Rest In Peace. You will be missed. Love you always. ♥️

It is a blessing to live a good life. An entire life that is filled with love and gratitude. A life where you serve others and fill the dreams of a community and a family. A life filled with faith and service. When this life comes to an end, we call it legacy; and this is the journey that Uncle Raf takes moving forward.  May the memories of him bring you comfort. 

I’m going to miss seeing you my Scorpio twin.

❤️ Naderge


The scent of Limeocol is one of my early childhood memories associated with my Uncle RAF. 

As an adult he exemplified the best example of a husband, a father, a grandfather and guiding his every decision was his love of the Lord.

Uncle RAF embodied the life of a stalwart Christian and often shared his word to strengthen our faith and connection with his Lord.

Our Dear Uncle RAF as the angels take you home to your Lord… we raise a glass of Rolling Thunder in celebration of your life. 

Rest in everlasting peace and glory.

We miss you … Love you Roxanne 


Growing up in Jamaica, a visit to Uncle Raf was a treat and big deal for our sisters and I. The custom-built house that was a home to all was spectacular. The tour of the vast valley to reap whatever was in season or bearing was life changing (once you past the fear of the bad dogs.) Thank you Uncle Raf for showing me how to appreciate Mother Nature... Uncle Raf, The cool of Red Hills, the view of Kingston especially as the sun sets and the night life festival of lights come bright, coupled with your gracious hospitality, Aunt Gigga's scrumptious culinary delights, and playing with our cousins was priceless. Uncle Raf, thank you for showing us all that marriage can be a lifetime of happiness... 64 Years is a testament to Holy Matrimony...😊 Uncle Raf, may the trumpets sound as you enter through the gates to heaven... It is often said that no man is perfect, but in my heart, Uncle Raf,  you are as close as they come to perfect. May Uncle Raf's soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon thee... 🙏🏾

I miss the laughs while sitting on the couch with you. I miss the days when you and grandma would come and cheer me on at my soccer games. You were there when I graduated with my Bachelors degree, and I know that you will be watching me go across the stage next year for my Masters degree. I know that you were proud of me and all that I’ve accomplished. I miss you so much and love you lots grandpa ❤️

- Kayla

Letter to my Uncle in heaven 
They say there is a reason 
They say time will heal ;
Neither time or reason
Will change the way I feel.
Gone are the days
We used to share, 
But in my heart 
You are always there.
The gates of memories 
Will never close ;
I miss you more than 
Anybody knows........
Love and miss you everyday
Till we meet again 
Always and forever! 

Your Niece
      Shelly 

Uncle Raphael you have fought the good fight , you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.
Thanks for so many wonderful memories. Thanks for the time and wisdom that you shared with us. Thank you for being such a blessing to our family! Gone but not forgotten.. you will remain forever in our hearts. 
You were a true Man of Valor!
Well done!!
May your soul continue to rest in peace..
Maxeen, Anthony and Micaela Cox… Gary and Kedar Pinnock

        
       The death of a loved of one is not easy, no matter how old the person is or how sick the person. As I reflect on my Father's passing, so many memories and emotions flooded my mind. The night he passed , I went to the hospital to see him with my Mother. As I approached my Dad 's bedside, he looked so peaceful; like he was  sleeping. 
      What a Dad I had, caring , protective, loving and inspirational father! He always made me feel loved , from a child until his last days. 
He worried wheter I ate or not , while I stayed at his bedside in the hospital.
The memories of my father rolls on like a movie in my head. The early years of  sitting down with him for family dinners ( teaching us good conversational skills and table ettiquette). The many years of spending time with us beyond the home, taking us out to the countryside to visit family, going out to the beachside, taking us out for dinners and attending many theatrical performances, to widen our appreciation of art.  You always encouraged us to pursue education and to develop a relationship with God! Needless to say, you supported us along this journey as well! The memories are many and precious!
       In the latter decades, we both enjoyed sharing scriptures in the  bible and the conversations that developed after!
The pleasant memories you created for our family and many others that crossed your path,will always be fresh in my mind! I am so proud to be called your daughter.  Love you Dad!

Isaiah 57:1 The righteous man perishes and no one takes it to heart; 
Faithful and devout men are taken away, while no one understands
That the righteous person is taken away, from disaster and evil.

 






My heartfelt condolences to Mrs Evans and family.  I worked with Mr Raphael Evans at the Negril/Green Island Area Local Planning Authority many years ago.  I will always remember Mr Evans for always encouraging me to strive for better and to give of my best.  Rest In Peace Mr Evans until we meet again. 

🙏🏾Praise the Lord
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and the rest of the family today and in the days to come.
 


Gone and sadly missed. Rest well my brother.
Will continue to have fond memories of the times spent together.

Austin


My father in-law Raf. For all these years you have been an inspiration to me. Not only for your calmness and reasoning, but you showed me how to look at life from a different perspective. I enjoyed taking my family to Negril on vacation. You made sure to have fish and coconut water in abundance for me. We spent a lot of memorable times and we NEVER had any kind of dispute. I remember our last conversation at the hospital. You were telling me goodbye, not knowing that it would be the last time, but I just didn't want to accept it. I played it off jokingly, but I now know that you are at peace. You are already missed and I will always be your son in-law.
Peter





"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted".
I would like to offer my sympathy to the family of Mr. Evans during this incredibly difficult time. 
I have had the opportunity to work closely with Mr. Evans at the Negril Green Island Area Local Planning Authority. He was an exemplary leader, very meticulous, a role model, mentor, motivator an exceptional and amazing individual. Mr. Evans contributed greatly to my professional/ personal growth and development of which I am forever grateful.
 Sleep in Peace Mr. Raphael Evans you will be missed .



Raf, Uncle Raf, Ambadore, was loved by all. He was always accommodating.  “Yeh man” his favorite words. 
He was Smithie’s great friend, and Arlene’s god-father. 
I recall his love of plants, and gardening and will cherish the ones he gave me last Christmas. 
Raf was also known for making the best rum punch, “rolling thunder” and every Christmas we, my Mom of blessed memory, and now my grandchildren, Kai & Ain, look forward to a bottle. 
Raf lived for God & his family. He used his earthly time preparing for his final home. 
I think God said, Well done my son!  and all the angels welcomed Raf to his final home. 
Rest in Peace Raf.



Just letting you all know that the Simmonds family in England are  thinking about you all during this difficult time
His kind and loving  nature lives on through his family god bless 🙏🏾
RIEP Raphael

Valerie and family❤️


Raphael, my dearly departed friend, as I say goodbye to you from this earthly life, I will always remember and cherish the experiences and special moments of our over thirty five years of friendship.
You were a gentle and humble individual. You were very charitable with your blessings, always caring for the less fortunate among us. The Lord brought you here for a purpose and you did not disappoint. Your soul is now at peace with the Lord taking your place in that heavenly mansion he promised he is gone to prepare for believers.
RIP my friend.



One of the memories I have of Mr. Evans was that he was quite and soft spoken and had a big beautiful smile. We are not only sadden by your passing, but we are celebrating your life with us.
Even through our tears we can smile when we remember the man you were silent, but yet so powerful, wise and strong .
It's with heavy heart I will say take your rest until we see each other again.


Grandpa you were a man of many great things, you were a family man, a community man, a traditional man, a wise educated man, a storyteller, a rum punch “rolling thunder”mixologist but most of all I will always admire that you were a man who took great pride in the little things. 

From the simplest of tasks, like fixing you your infamous drink; grab a glass cup—plastic cups were not worthy, fill the cup up with ice to a specific level, pour white rum a level just above the ice, add ginger ale but not too much make sure you can still taste the rum, then serve with one to two limes on the side. 

So when it came time to help find you a suit for Micah’s wedding, I knew I was up for quite the task. You wanted a traditional Nehru collared suit, in a specific shade of charcoal gray, a firm Nehru collar with just the right height—not too short not too tall, this many pockets and buttons, etc. etc. Throughout this entire wedding suit hunting process it further affirmed the faith and pride you had in me, your fellow Scorpio grandson. 

The pride you had in me was always felt in the way you would greet me with so much life in your voice every time we spoke and the attentiveness towards me anytime we met. For that I will forever cherish your memory, for if my grandfather such a particular man can be so proud in me I knew I must be doing something right in life. 

Thank you for being such an important part of my life and I hope to continue to make you proud. 

My deepest condolences to Mrs. Evans and the entire family.  I worked at the Negril Green Island Area Local Planning with Raphael as my Secretary Manager and Mentor.  His astute leadership and sharpe intellect molded me, and helped me to be the person  I am today.  He will forever be in my thoughts.  May His soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him. Tamar Hewitt Powell.

Our dear Heavenly Father now has an angel by His side.

My wholeheartedly condolences go out to aunt Jigga, Toni, Cheryl, Cornell, grands and great grandchildren.

Uncle Raf was a genuine soul - he had such a smile with a brightness in his eyes, great love and huge pride for his family.  

My visits with uncle Raf and aunt Jigga are always treasured times.  
I recall as a child in Jamaica- for me- it was definitely fun and games with my surrounding cousins, at their home in Red Hills.  
But as an adult-for me- the times visiting their home in Tamarac, Florida is so very precious!  
I recall just a listening ear from uncle Raf--in his cool-calm quiet manner - would return a comment or few from our various conversations.  It was the brightness in his eyes, his genuine-cool -collected manner of which I respected and hold so dear. It was the affectionate and gentleness he displayed which I admired so much in him.  

We are all so very blessed to have had him in our lives.

Uncle Raf-rest well my dear--rest well!



                  
Job 1:21  says "The Lord gives and the Lord taketh away, bless the name of the Lord". 

On April 7, 2023, we lost a genuine christian brother. 

We are always saddened when death invades a family circle, and quite naturally so, undeniably the congregation was extremely saddened to hear about the death of Brother Raphael Evans and we wish to express our profound sadness at the passing of our brother in Christ. 

Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Thessalonians writes "Behold I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep". (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14)

The late Raphael Evans could always be seen with a beautiful smile. He was very kind and principled. He was seen as a quiet, humble and hard-working person. Besides this, he had time for everyone and made each person feel that they had a friend in him. He treated both adults and youths with dignity and respect. His pragmatic  and positive approach to life was uplifting. 

Today, though we sit in the presence of death and remember our beloved brother, we stand on the threshold of life; the "abundant (eternal) life" which our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has promised to us all. 

The entire congregation of the Santoy United Church wishes to express our profound condolences to his wife and family during this period of mourning. We are assured that we will meet again and therefore, we find comfort in Apostle Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians: Death is swallowed up in victory. Oh death where is thy sting?,  Oh grave, where is thy victory? 

Brother Rafael Evans we wish you farewell as you join with the many that has gone before you in the bosom of our Saviour Jesus Christ.  May all the saints open wide the gates of heaven as the angels welcome you with great trumpet sounds 








Mr Evans and I shared the same birthday October 26th.  So from day one, we were connected, bonded to the same family.My brother was truly blessed to have him as his father-in-law. Married for over 60yrs , wow! 
Mr Evans, very few men can speak of such longevity in a marriage. There’s so much more I could say. You have lived the full and blessed…rest in eternal peace Mr Evans.
Peter Simmonds 

Uncle Raf ; you were like a loving Father to  me.

Just like to say the time I spent with him and his wife was great  sadly missed but never forgotten Philip & Bev 

We found this photo of uncle Raphael and Sheryl running without a care in the world and full of joy and laughter. This is how we remember his happy and joyful soul who is greatly missed by all the family.

May his precious soul R.I.P

Lola and the Brown family (UK)

I met Mr Evans for a very short time. However, upon meeting him and his beloved wife Rhoda, I knew I met my family from another great great grandparents. 

Mr Evans and his family shared such warmth and love, so I can now be apart of sharing their loss. 

Meeting him, was short, but he left me here to join with my now elder sister, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends. 

You left me too soon, but you are shining down, on us all. 
My deepest condolences to Mr Evan’s family and friends. 

A very happy soul, we will miss you so much all 
is well that ends well and to the family we love you this is Florette, Verly, Audrey, Leonie, and Chris Douse ,God bless you.


I will surely miss your laughter, hugs, wit and wise advices.
I love you. 



Thinking of you Aunt Mae, Toni, Cheryl, Cornell, grandchildren and our great loss.
Rest in peace Uncle Raf.
Cecile x
 💜


I never got the opportunity to meet Mr. Evans, but from what I have heard of him, he was a joy to be around.  He left family and friends who will miss his presence.  I am blessed to have his daughter, Toni as a niece and I can see from her, that he was a good father.  I hope that the faith and love he showed, the life he lived, the person he was, and the examples he set, will inspire all who mourn to remember him as having blessed our lives so we will find satisfaction in his life that was well lived.  May he find peace in his rest.

My condolences! I am very sorry that one of the greatest men in the world has passed away! I am going to miss him and so is the world! We made great memories and lots of fun times! I am going to miss him a lot and so  is family and friends !!

My Sincere Condolence to Aunt Jigga , Toni, Cheryl, Cornell
I would look forward to summer holidays , so i could spend a great time with Uncle Raf at his Paradise home on the top of Red hills ,where i would wake up to a tasty breakfast cooked by Aunt Jigga and then i would walk the plantation to cut sugarcane, pick oranges, lime , pineapple , you name it .
Uncle Raf was a quite,calm,caring, loving person and would always greet you with a genuine smile,his laughter signified his love of life and happiness
88yrs , the Infinity number , i know you will always be watching over 
Love u Uncle Raf 
Melina ❤

Uncle Ralph. How do I encapsulate a man’s greatness when constrained by 26 pesky letters in the alphabet and space. I could wax endlessly, but I will simply say Uncle Ralph, who is my godfather, was a superhero. He was a passionate storyteller, a visionary, a compassionate person, but most importantly he was my rock. There is one word that triggers memories and tears: Chrysalis. Everyone goes throw their chrysalis/ metamorphosis/changes, especially as a teenager. How we survive this chrysalis is by the people that are our rock, savior and mentors. During my chrysalis, Uncle Ralph NEVER left my side: he counseled me, walked with me, calmed the anger in me, and was simply ALWAYS there for me. He would fondly smile and lean back slightly and start a sentence with, “my son”and the advice that proceed was sprinkled with kindness and love.  I am now a man and father, and my accomplishments I owe to him. I miss him. Nuff love Charles

From the moment we met, you had a special place in my heart.  I never took for granted what you meant to me.  I always brag that “I have the best in laws ever”.  You always treated and loved me like a daughter.  I will miss our talks and just spending time in your company.  Whenever I asked how are you your response was “Better for seeing you” along with a warm hug and kiss and that always made me smile. Every time you visited us , you always requested that I make you fried chicken and I did so with pleasure knowing it was your favorite.  I’ll forever be blessed and honored to call you, Dad

On the behalf of the Cave Valley Ground of the Truth ch Pastor and Members like to express their Condolence to wife children and Grandchildren Relative and well wisher's of Mr Evans
It is my honor to speak today about Mr Evans as we all know him Although I wish it was his birthday party celebrating in Jamaica than to hear about his funeral service, we all know that life isn't fair sometimes that's why the song writer says that it leave such on  emptiness inside .Mr Evans was taken away from his Children and Grandchildren after so many years living together, he lives a full life. He was a person that loves to contribute to ever and any needs to human necessity, especially church The family chain has broken things will never be the same again, sleep on sleep on my bro we love you but Jesus loves you best, a great soul server everyone all the time, A great soul never dies, it's bring us to gather again and again.

I have known Mr.Evans for over 19yrs ,he was my boss for 19yrs we used to call him sir in and out side of work we have a great relationship, he was a no nonsense person, you could not do all to please him.
My pass colleagues will agree with me that Mr Evans was a humble, peaceful, compassionate and kind person, we felt comfortable, equal and had a very good relationship with him
I would go the extra mile when he calls especially in times when they are not around, I would take care of all that were need to be done at work.
It was so sad to hear about his passing, it broke my heart so much because I am unable to be there and to see the very last of him. He is at a better place where sickness will not have the last say,  nor death will not have the victory sleep on we'll meet in the by and by.
From Lorriane Willams, fomer employee. 

This photo was taken during my college graduation dinner. I remember being so happy my grandparents could make the trip down to Texas, it meant a great deal to me. My grandfather was always such a light, we always had this thing where we would yell each other’s names as a greeting. One of my favorite memories of him was when I surprised him and my grandmother for thanksgiving, they had no idea I was coming. When I pulled up on the front door my grandma looked through the blinds and I thought I gave her a heart attack. When I walked in my grandpa was so overjoyed, we sat on his porch in his garden later in the day and just enjoyed each other’s company, and I’ll cherish those moments with him for the rest of my life. I love you grandpa.

I have known Mr Evans for over 50 years as Cheryl and I went to kindergarten school together. I have fond memories of spending time with them at there home in Belvedere Red Hills Jamaica as kids and as an adult in Negril and recently Tamarac Fl. He and my husband David loved to have discussions on politics and we always had a great time when we were together. 
David and I would like to extend our condolences to the family and we are here for you .
 Uncle Raf you will be missed. 
Love, 
Donna and David Chambers

To the family of Raphael Evans. First, I want to offer my condolences to you. I've known Mr. Evans and his beautiful wife Rhoda for over 25 plus years. While doing mission  work in Jamaica the Evans were the coordinators of all the events that took place.

Their commitment to the work of God was apparent in the time that they took to make sure everything were done in a orderly manner. Mr. Evans made sure my travels in Jamaica, West Indies were taken care of as well as housing was provided. He and his wife's hospitality showed the love of God and their love for the people of God.  In one of my last conversations with Mr. Evans he seemed to be at peace, and may his soul rest in peace. 

So today as we mourn I want to encourage you with this scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.



OBITUARY

Raphael Ambador Evans

October 26, 1934 – April 7, 2023

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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