Obituary of Verona Reid

Verona Davis was born in the hamlet of Resource, Manchester, Jamaica West Indies on August 8, 1952. On July 13, 2013, twenty years of anguish and pain ended quietly at the St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage, New York when the Lord called her home. Verona was the daughter of Dilma Barrett and the late James Davis. Verona grew up in Resource and attended the Grove Town All-Age School until the age of sixteen. She migrated to the United States of America in 1968 and completed her high school education at the Amityville Memorial High School. She graduated in 1972 after which she became a certified nursing assistant. Verona met and later married Vincent Reid in 1975 at the St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Amityville. The union produced three sons: Sean Reid, Antoine Reid, and Jerome Reid. Between them they had three other children: Verona's daughter Debra Davis (the oldest of her four children), Verona's stepson Fitzroy Reid and her stepdaughter Marie Reid. For several years Verona worked as a certified nursing assistant at the Broadlawn Manor. Her labor at this facility was exemplary. She was a dedicated worker and a pleasant caregiver. Verona Reid, affectionately called "Ver", "Ronnie", "Aunty Rona", was a sweet kindred, and a humble soul. She was always willing to give a listening ear to everyone she encountered throughout her sixty years of life on this planet. She had an infectious smile that would make you forget all your worries and cares. Ronnie's house was a haven to many, her kindness and charisma was absolutely natural; she was a magnet to all who were blessed to meet her. Ronnie was a daughter, a mom, a doctor, a nurse, a friend, a counselor, advisor, a confidant, and a phenomenal woman all wrapped in one beautiful package. She carried herself with tremendous integrity and grace, and possessed a very vibrant sense of humor. Verona was to many a tower of strength who motivated you to be your best. Not only would she encourage but she would implore us to treat others as we would love to be treated. Indeed she was an extraordinary woman. She was to many the living history book and possessed a memory second to none. She was fondly called the living phone book; she knew the numbers of all her family and friends. She never forgot anyone's birthday or anniversary. Verona was such a fun loving person, and even though she was the one that was ill, she would be the one to cheer you up and lift your spirit. She was very fond of children and many would find comfort on her lap. She was an avid lover of music and could supply the lyrics to most. She was the magnet that kept the family close. She was deeply loved. Verona was a no nonsense person who told you the truth in love. She didn't bear a grudge but would find some diplomatic way to make it come across in a positive way. Verona got on well with her caregiver who was like a part of the family. She loved her family and could tell you about each. Verona loved to experiment with different cuisines from all around the world; some she would enjoy and recommend; others she would tell you not to try. Thinking about her brings back many fond memories that most of us would agree with. She was the perfect host and would never turn up her nose at any one. As a matter of fact the sick, lame, mentally challenged, insane and everyone found a friend in Verona. She was like our Jamaican Miss Lou. She could be considered our icon. When she was injured in an unfortunate incident in 1992, Verona was forced to give up much of her independence and her job. Despite her paralysis and its associated challenges, she never complained. She never wanted anyone to pity her situation or circumstances. She was the first to set you at ease whenever you visited her at home or in the hospital. Verona travelled well on her journey to the last mile of the way to the amazement of many. Many persons made plans to see her back home, but those plans never came to fruition. On Saturday, July 13, 2013 God may have said to her: "It is enough my child, you must not suffer any longer. Here, lay upon my breast, rest with me a while. Here, let me lay you down." She went home to be with her Maker, Savior and Friend who saw it best for her to take her rest. Verona is survived by daughter Debra (Nadine); sons: Sean, Antoine and Jerome; stepson Fitzroy; stepdaughter Marie; mother Dilma; stepfather Stanley (Teacher); brothers: Nehru (Errol),Selvin(James), Anthony (Ukee), Dwayne and Japhet; sisters:Pamela,Barbara (Dassa), Beatrice, Adeline, Rita and Arlene; stepsisters: Charmine and Jennie; stepbrothers: Ucklyn and Danny, adopted brother Hopeton and adopted sister Pauline; ten grandchildren: Davion, Kristopher, Kristian, Kevine, K'Sean, Qualib, Anthony, Sabrina, Marlon and Kymani; uncles, aunts, dozens of cousins, in-laws, a host of nephews and nieces, and numerous friends. Ver is not with us but her memories will forever linger in our hearts and minds. Sleep on Verona, sleep and take your rest, we love you but God loves you best.