Deleita Blackwood

Deleita Kathleen Blackwood, 83, of Miramar, FL, was born on August 25, 1930 in the Parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies. She married the love of her life, Clifford Austin Blackwood in 1958, who predeceased her to Glory in October of 2000. She left St. Elizabeth with her family and migrated to Kingston. She worked with the Jamaica Omnibus Service for several years before migrating to the United States in 1969. She lived in Brooklyn, New York where she and Clifford raised their three blessings: Betty, Wally, and Howie.

She worked briefly with a stock brokerage company and with the New York Hospital for 15 years until her retirement in 1995. Deleita and Clifford moved to Palm Bay, FL, where they built their retirement home.

Deleita was called home to glory on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.

Mama, as she was affectionately called by her beloved children, and Dellie, by good friends and family, has left a legacy of love, understanding, and compassion that will live on forever. Her gentle and kind spirit has touched so many lives; and we are all better for it. She has done her job here on earth and now God wants her to rest. She will now take her place at his side and will be reunited with the love of her live. Now she is happy, now she is free.

Deleita is mourned and survived by her three children: Betty Benjamin, Walden Blackwood and Howard Blackwood; three sisters-in-law: Roby McDonald, Dr. Lucille Gunning, Millicent Barnaby; two daughters-in-law: Ann-Marie and Debra; four grandchildren: Handel Benjamin, Simone Edwards, Christina Blackwood and Leighann Blackwood; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.