News

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

The late Parvella Young has been remembered as an industrious woman who was never satisfied with sitting down.

"Mama epitomises what King Samuel, in his book of wisdom calls a virtuous woman," said her daughter Iesha Moncrieffe as she delivered the eulogy at the thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of the First Born Church of God at Three Hills, St Mary recently. "She was energetic and strong, a hard worker. As she got old these characteristics bubbled in her."

Moncrieffe said Parvella was a woman who loved the house of the Lord, but that she loved the Lord even more. Biblical principles, she said, were the hallmark of Young's life, and she followed God's command to rear her children in fear and admonition of the Lord.

"All of us here today are witnesses to this. I am a prime example. Some of her children are today standing tall in the Lord. Some have slipped, but the word of the Lord declares 'Train up a child in the way he should grow, and when he is old he will not depart from it. The principle is obvious, very soon they will return," remarked Moncrieffe.

She stressed that, once the late Mrs Young was well, she never missed a church service and that sometimes her children had to beg her to take some rest. However, according to her, Young's reply would be, 'I know about today, I do not know about tomorrow'.

The late church woman, who was regarded as a disciplinarian, was known for giving strict instructions to all her children, grandchildren, nieces and other family members, to behave themselves in the house of the Lord. None of them could run around in church; and all had to learn how to sit down and enjoy the presence of God.

She was said to be a woman who looked forward to church trips with or without money. Moncrieffe said the trips brought memories and laughter.

Fade away

Moncrieffe noted that, in November of 2005, the many joyous times she and others had with Young started to fade away. She said she received a stroke which left her bedridden. Although she was confined to her bed, she said Young used every opportunity she got to praise the Lord. She noted that, at least once every week, her grandchildren would go by her bedside to sing for her and that was highly appreciated by Young.

The good times she had with her relatives will long be remembered by especially her widower Grevous; sister Edna; brother Noel; children Errol, Oswald, Phillip, Marlon, Sharon, Marlene and Lecia; 30 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and precious friends.

Her body was interred in her family plot at Three Hills, St Mary, following the thanksgiving service.

'She was energetic and strong, a hard worker. As she got old these characteristics bubbled in her.'