Vincent Cent Alfonso Shambo

Vincent was born on October 4, 1931 in Bocas del Toro, Panama to Edith and Hyppolit Paul Shambo who moved to Jamaica when he was an infant. Vincent was educated in Spanish Town, Jamaica where he was also trained in the profession of cabinetry. There he met and married Ula Braham, September 22, 1954. They were the proud parents of four children, Waynepaul, Peter, Pauline, and Patrick. Speaking of this time of his life Vincent would often say, “I had a beautiful life!”

Vincent later emigrated to Brooklyn, New York and spent over 30 years working in carpentry and as a construction supervisor. He was a hardworking man who took pride in his work, maintaining an enthusiastic work ethic all his life. He enjoyed cooking Jamaican dishes, tending to his vegetable garden, and being outdoors. He attended the Triumphant Church of God where he was active in the choir. Vincent was passionate about singing in his beautiful baritone voice and dearly loved the traditional church hymns and gospel music. Never shy about singing in public, he often burst into song at home or wherever he happened to be.

Upon retirement Vincent and Ula moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where they were active in the First Baptist Church. Ula passed away in 2001, and Vincent continued to participate in the choir, the nursing home ministry, the prison ministry, and in offering practical help in repairs or construction. He loved prison ministry, participating in Bridges to Life at Tomoka Correctional Institution, Daytona Beach, Florida. Vincent was a proud member of the Florida Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief team, helping in hurricane clean up.

Vincent moved to Katy, Texas in 2010. He joined Bear Creek Baptist Church where he was active leading singing in his Sunday School class and participating in a weekly service at Colonial Oaks Retirement Home where he assisted with music. Vincent was active at the Fussell Senior Center, where he joined an exercise class and led a hymn sing three times weekly.

In 2013 Vincent met Ann Gilliam at the senior center, and they were married November 29, 2014. Vincent was a kind, loving and thoughtful husband. They spent 7 months very happy and content in each other’s company, serving the Lord together in music until his passing. Characterized by a generous and loving spirit, Vincent’s life expressed his love for people and his gratitude toward God in actions and service.

A memorial service will be held at the Katy Funeral Home, 12230 Kingsland Boulevard, Katy, Texas on Tuesday, July 7 at 2:00 pm with visitation at 1:00 pm.

Vincent is predeceased by his parents, Edith and Hyppolit Shambo: sisters Delores and Esmie; brothers, Seldom and Hyppolit, Jr. and his son Mario. He is survived by his wife, Ann Shambo; sisters Ruby and Edith of Jamaica; children, Pauline, Waynepaul, Peter, and Patrick; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of loving family and friends.