Patricia Agatha McCalla

Patricia Agatha McCalla (nee Dunn), otherwise called Pat/Pats, was born on Friday December 18th, 1953, at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, Jamaica to Vashti and Ivan Dunn minutes after her twin sister Paulette, making her the youngest of 7 children.

Pat grew up in Wakefield, Trelawny attending Wakefield Primary School and then William Knibb Memorial High School in Falmouth, Trelawny. Pat’s primary school days were not without its drama and excitement. She had appointed herself as the leader and defender of the family, big and small, and she dared anyone to diss any sister, brother or cousin of hers. She “handled matters” in her way and was not deterred by any punishment she would get afterwards.

By the time Pat went to high school, she had matured and was now a demure, quiet, calm, proper young lady, committed to getting her education and serving God.

She attended the Wakefield Baptist Church where she received a strong biblical foundation and discipleship teaching, accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour and got baptised. She was an active member of Youth Fellowship until she moved away to start her career.

After graduating from William Knibb, she started her secretarial training at Gordon’s Commercial School in Linstead, St Catherine. Her first job was at the iconic Tower Isle Hotel (now Couples Tower Isle) in St. Mary, where she worked as a receptionist.

Looking to further her career, she went to Kingston to live with her older sister, Elaine and to advance her secretarial studies at Alpha Commercial College (later known as Alpha Business College) run by the Sisters of Mercy. Armed with her diploma, Pat was able to make an impressive mark in the places she worked, the then swanky Stony Hill Hotel in the hills of St. Andrew; the Headquarters of the Jamaica Tourist Board, on Harbour Street in Kingston and then on to the Jamaica Ombudsman Office in Kingston, where she worked for several years until she migrated to the USA in 1986.

In the midst of building her career of choice and serving God, Pat caught the eye of the dashing Hamlet (Owen) McCalla, her destined life partner and the love of her life. He swept her off her feet, and she could not resist his charm and mischievous nature. Indeed, two soulmates had come together, and they were married on July 14th, 1979, at Bethel Baptist Church in Kingston.

She and her Owen, her "Pappy" shared such a strong bond filled with so much love, care and devotion. There was never Pat without Owen. Theirs was truly a match forged in heaven and manifested to us all, here on earth, for 47 beautiful years and yes, in health and through sickness. When Pat met and married Owen, she did not just marry him, she literally became engrafted into the McCalla family. The entire family welcomed, embraced and loved her as one of them, and she was every bit as much a McCalla as she was a Dunn.

Upon settling in the USA, Pat went on to get her American accreditation in Secretarial and Administrative Studies at the Bronx Community College. She worked for many years at the Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan, NY as an Administrative Secretary and Northern State Prison in Newark, NJ as a Communications Operator where she was known for her strong work ethic, commitment to others and a job well done.

After her retirement in 2016, Pat and Owen decided to swap the New Jersey winters for sunny Florida which they made their home. Pat became an active member of Metropolitan Baptist Church where she found community and served faithfully until her passing.

Pat was a stickler for punctuality, never late, always on time. She had a passion for cleanliness and tidiness and for her, nothing should ever be out of place. After all, she lived by the mantra “Cleanliness is next to godliness”. She made it her mission to bring joy to the lives of others. She was like a mother hen, always ensuring everyone was taken care of, always checking in on family and friends. We looked forward to her uplifting daily words of encouragement, which we already miss.

Pat had a tenacious spirit. She never gave up and she never complained no matter what she was going through. Pat is an inspiration to us, a testament to the power of humor, resilience, perseverance and dedication coming from a place of deep faith and love. She was ready for the time when she would be embraced in the arms of her Father, Yahweh (Jehovah). She had made her own calling and election sure. We have no doubt that she loved her God with all her being and most importantly, she knew He loved her.

Our dear Patricia went home to be with the Lord on August 20th, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents Vashti & Ivan Dunn, brother Balford Dunn, sisters Ivylee Choloply, Elaine Cowan and Minta Hay.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Hamlet (Owen) McCalla; son Wayne McCalla; daughter-in-law Lucy; twin sister Paulette Shaw; brother Cecil Hay; grandchildren: Sashani (Royston), Jaden, Nathan and Nolle; greatgrandchildren: Demetrius and Danteus; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; nephews; many cousins, extended family members and friends.

Even though her transition has left a void that can never be filled, one comforting thought we believe Pat would want to leave with us, is that hers was “A life well-lived with no regrets”.

She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. May her soul Rest in Peace.

Visitation will be held at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 7200 Davie Road Extension, Hollywood, FL 33024, US, on September 2, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 7200 Davie Road Extension, Hollywood, FL 33024, US, on September 2, 2026, at 11:00 am.

The Committal Service will take place at Bailey Memorial, Garden of Love, 7801 Bailey Rd, North Lauderdale, FL 33068, US, on September 2, 2026, at 2:15 pm, and the final resting place is Bailey Memorial, Garden of Love, 7801 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale.