Jane Merilda Lawrence, age 87, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 and went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Jane was born on June 27, 1933 in the Parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies, to the late Samuel and Emily Robertson.
In the late 1960’s, Jane migrated to the United States. Upon her arrival to the US, she worked two jobs to provide for her two daughters. She eventually received a full-time job at Saint John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, NY where she joined the hospital’s nursing department as an aide and retired after 25 years. Jane was a highly motivated individual. Her co-workers revered her as a loyal, hardworking employee, who rendered excellent care to the patients she served. Upon retirement, Jane moved to Florida, where she experienced her dream of living in the sunshine.
Jane had a passion for gardening. She enjoyed growing a variety of flowers. Her friends and neighbors would comment on how beautiful her flowers were. She also enjoyed planting vegetables and tending to them. Her home garden was comprised of sweet potatoes, yams, peas, sugar cane, persimmons, etc. Annually, she would send some of her fresh produce to friends and family in New York and New Jersey.
One of Jane’s greatest enjoyments was her love for cooking. She was always cooking her favorite classic Jamaican dishes such as: jerk pork, rice and peas, red peas soup, fried dumplings, ackee and saltfish, and lots of other Jamaican favorites. She loved to share her delicious cooking with her neighbors, friends, and church family.
Jane was a faithful servant of Christ. She was an involved member in local churches while residing in both Yonkers, NY and Ocala, FL. Jane served in various areas of ministry including ushering, church treasurer, choir, and various committees.
Jane had a wonderful sense of style. She loved to get dressed up to go to church and especially loved wearing her stylish hats to go with her outfit of the day.
The last sixteen months of Jane’s life was spent at Prestige Manor II in Belleview, Florida where she was deeply loved and cared for by the staff. She enjoyed being involved in the daily activities including singing, dancing, and having fun connecting with staff and other residents.
In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Lawrence; her sisters Lynn, Lena, and Sister Bright; and her brother John. She is survived by her brother, Samuel and her sister, Beulah; her two daughters, Janet and Jacqueline; her son-in-law, Paul; her grandchildren, Kisha, Tamika, Davina, Stephen, David, Kelisha, and Keanie; nine great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 11:00 am and the Funeral to follow at 12:00 noon at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida.
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