Uncle Samuel passed away on Tuesday June 28 2016, but his spirit lives on. He was there for all of us here today, and I know that without him being involved in our life, I personally would not be the person I am today.
Today I’m honoured to represent my family to give remarks about my uncle. As you may all know, that Samuel was the brother of my mother Adassa ANDERSON, or Sa May as we may remember her.
As a child growing up in Jamaica, I remember the fun memories that I had with my uncle, Mama Queenie his beloved wife and all my cousins. Out of all my uncles from my mother’s side, his house is the only one that I can remember sleeping at, because he always loves to see his family in one place.
He was very kind and loving, the kind of person who treated people like individuals and treated every child like they were his very own.
His impact for me was unique in that it spanned some of the most vital years in my development—beginning prior to and into my formative years. He shaped my values, solidifying a faith in Christ that would not be shaken. He taught me what it is to respect my elders, the value of education, and to work hard. I got to see the fruit that hard work yields by watching His life and benefitting from that life. I’m not sure if I totally understood this when I was a child, or even as a young man. As an adult looking back, I realize that he epitomized the spirit of parenthood, and what I mean by that is all good parents want their children to go farther, soar higher and achieve greater than they themselves did. And that’s what uncle wanted for his immediate and extended family.
Uncle was a family person and he cared DEEPLY for his family near and far. He may not have been to Colleges and Universities himself, but he wanted the family have a better education and lifestyle than he ever had—even if he had to beat it into us! (fortunately I did not get any of those beating from him) I must admit I was one of the spoilt ones.
He didn’t want us to have to do the kinds of jobs that he willingly did to make a living for his family and provide a very good lifestyle. Whenever I reflect on my uncle, I remember my grandmother (Adelaide FALCONOR or Miss Addy as we knew her), she was loving, kind, always giving, even when she did not have enough to give. On behalf of all the nieces and nephews here today and regardless of where we are living now, I remember the days when uncle use to give us what he could from his fields and even small change to buy things at the shop.
Uncle was not rich with the material things of this world, he was not the most educated among his Peers, but he was very rich in love. He was kind that was never afraid to engage even the most educated into an intellectual conversation.
But the truth of the matter is what the Bible teaches us, that a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he or she possesses. And as much as Uncle enjoyed his share of things; he understood what really mattered. People matter. Loving people matters. Now, he was not perfect. Was he stern? Yes! Could he speak his mind? Yes! Could he put you in your place without uttering a word—with just one look? But he also possessed something that is so unique—and sadly, it’s growing increasingly unique: He had the heart of a servant. He spent his life taking care of others, raising children who weren’t even his own, nurturing people who needed his care.
His own life was a life of true sacrifice. There were times when we clashed, times when I thought he was too strict. He was! But I couldn’t deny the servant’s heart. I may not have known then to call it a Servant’s heart, but that’s what it was. Some of us talk about it; he lived it. He didn’t have to do it, but he chose to do it. There had to be times when he didn’t want to do it—he was human, after all. But he did it—and I am who I am because he did it. I cannot even fathom where I’d be without him. God is God, and He knows how to get things done, but one thing I’ve learned in this life is that God uses people, and He used him.
Uncle’s life was a success. Too often we measure success by man’s definition of success, and by man’s standards even uncle did pretty well, the truth is we must measure our lives by God’s measuring stick. Therefore, I define success as fulfilling the purpose for which God called us, and I believe with all my heart that he fulfilled that purpose. I believe with all my heart; his life was an epic success. When you look at his brothers, you see his success; when you look at my cousins and siblings, you see his success; when you look at me, you see her success. Therefore, he yet lives. He has left a legacy that will not die.
Sadly, I did not get to see him before he passed away and I can vividly remember the last conversation I had with him.
As I end, I just have to say this because I have to praise God for how awesome He is: Over the past several years, I saw uncle who was one the strongest man (PHYSICALLY) in the community weaken, grew older and wiser to a degree of commitment that is unparalleled, by the way. Today, uncle is no longer the strong man I knew him to be, independent, feisty person I had known all my life.
I will borrow a few words from Paul in 1st Corinthians 15:50-58 - King James Version (KJV)
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Uncle may have departed this life, but his legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and also in the lives of his Nieces and Nephews. It lives on in the lives of so many, and it lives on in me. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the servant’s heart that he had, but even if I possess a modicum of that servant’s heart he carried throughout his life, I will be a much better person.
To The Queen, Winston, Dawn, Addy, Melvin and brother Jerry, on behalf of all your cousins at home and abroad, we would just like to express our since Condolences. Hoping that even at this time, you will all find hope and faith in God, knowing that he is the Author and Finisher of our faith
We love Uncle BEST, but today he is safely in the arms of the Lord.
May His Soul Rest In Peace
C J ‘John’ Anderson Esq
(Nephew)
On behalf of grandson Mekel Amani Anderson from United Kingdom he would like to express his sincere condolences. Mekel says rest in peace. I love you.
