Daphne V. Beckford

Daphne was a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch whose life was deeply rooted in family and faith. She was the mother of nine children. She was predeceased by four of her children: two who passed away in infancy, and her sons, Eric Michael Small and Richard Blake. She leaves to cherish her memory her five surviving children: Joy Maureen Cummings, Beverley Marcia Cummings, Barrington Comrie, Sandra Marie Beckford, and Georgia Diana Beckford Wilson.

Daphne grew up in Worcester St James, Jamaica, where she completed grade school and attended sewing school, becoming a skilled seamstress and knitter. In June 1982, she married David A. Beckford, her husband of more than 20 years. Together, they built a family whose bonds remained an important part of her life. She later migrated to the United States, establishing a new life in New York before relocating to Florida in June 2003.

Her Christian faith remained a steady foundation throughout her life. In Orlando, she worshiped at River Run and Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, later continuing her walk of faith at Grace and Faith Church in Tampa.

Daphne was one of fifteen children born to Loretta and Rudolph Stewart. Her siblings were Dulceda Carmelita Stewart, Albert Alexander Stewart, Daisy Eliza Stewart, Mahershal Stewart, Joyce Desmond Stewart, Walter Stewart, Ralph Emanuel Stewart, Faye Elena Stewart, Philip Mountbatten Stewart, Jennifer Stewart, Clovis Lustina Stewart, Ronald Cleveland Stewart, Roland Bertram Stewart, and Estina Teresa Stewart.

She was predeceased by five of her siblings: Dulceda Stewart, Walter Stewart, Faye Stewart, Ronald Stewart, and Ralph Stewart. She is survived by her nine remaining brothers and sisters, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and loved ones.

Daphne's legacy continues through her 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren—branches of a family tree that she helped nurture across generations.Through them, and through all whose lives she touched, the life and legacy of Daphne Valerie Beckford will be remembered, cherished, and carried forward.

Visitation will be held at Grace and Faith Church, 12749 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33635, US, on September 26, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on September 26, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace and Faith church in memory of Daphne. Please click on the link below.

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