Vivienne Dawn Langrin

Love

To Sis with

Azalee Lewis, Florette Lawson, Desaree Maturah, Michael Langrin

We are blessed with the opportunity to write this tribute to our sister. It is a very difficult thing to do for someone whom we loved so dearly.

Dawn, as we affectionately called her, was the eldest of five children who wore many hats. Being the eldest, she inherently became our self-appointed second mother and our protector; we can all attest to some battle she had fought for us. Then, as the situation arose, she became the “boyfriend screener”; she interrogated any young man who dared to visit her younger sisters. Over time, we saw her as a “baby-namer”. She once ran a successful campaign to have a name changed to the name of a boy she liked. As our “family liaison officer”, Dawn kept us abreast of all family happenings and in her later years, she became our “spiritual trumpeter” warning us about our faith and what would happen if we did not accept the Lord.

Dawn/Sis Vivienne had many sides to her but there are three things that made an indelible impression on us. These are - her love of God, her love for her family and the strength she displayed during her 20-year battle with lupus.

Dawn, we hope we can be as strong as you were. We, your family, love you and already miss you so much. Peace and love sis.

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

Order of

Service

Processional Instrumental Opening Remarks

Pastor S. Robert Stewart

Praise and Worship

Pentab Praise Team

Prayer

Elder Chris Plummer

Congregational Hymn

We Shall Behold Him

Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Michelle Ann Langrin - Niece

Pastor S. Robert Stewart

Mark Maturah - Nephew

Song Jerusalem Scripture Reading 1Thess 4:13-18

Tributes from Friends Marlene Henry Sis L. Seymour Derrick Myers Elder Leonard Miller Jaycees of Jamaica – Patrick Fisher

Song Wallie Sharpe Beulah Land Family Tributes Siblings [Azalee Lewis, Florette Lawson, Desaree Maturah, Michael Langrin] Nieces and Nephews Eulogy Vivia Bromfield - Cousin Congregational Hymn What a Day That Will Be Message Pastor S. Robert Stewart Prayer for the Family

Minister Christopher Wilson

Recessional Hymn Oh What a Sunrise

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

Resolution

In Loving Memory of Ms. Vivienne Langrin Since it has pleased Almighty God to take Ms. Vivienne Langrin on to her reward where she will join that great cloud of witnesses in the heavens…

There is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one whose life was ended when she was called to join that innumerable heavenly choir.

According to His tender mercy, God, who is infinite in His wisdom, has seen fit to move from our midst Ms. Vivienne Langrin in Christ by means of death on February 29th, 2020.

Our lives are but fine weavings that God and we prepare, Each life become a fabric, planned and fashioned in His care, We may not always see, just how the weavings intertwine, But we must trust the Master’s hand and follow his design; For He can view the pattern upon the upper side, While we must look from underneath and trust in Him to guide….

Sometimes a strand of sorrow is added to His plan, And though it’s difficult for us, we still must understand That it’s He who fills the shuttle, It’s He who knows what’s best So we must weave in patience and leave to Him the Rest….

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly, Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why; The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skillful hand.

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

WHEREAS, the passing of Ms. Vivienne Langrin has left us with a broken heart, we acknowledge and accept the will of God. We know our hearts bleed with sorrow, but are comforted by knowing God will not put more on us than we can bear.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we embrace the family because all of us have a common bond that will connect us for the rest of your lives.

We cannot replace Ms. Vivienne Langrin, but we can continue to display the love of Christ Jesus in her remembrance.

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

To the family of Ms. Vivienne Langrin, we know your loss is deep and your sorrow is great, but we want you to know that we share in your sorrow, but more importantly, we recognize that this loss is Heaven’s gain. When it is all over, we would like you to remember: In case there’s a time when you just need to talk, In case there’s a problem you would like us to hear, In case there’s a favour you would like us to do, we’re here if you need us to help see you through.

Her body wasn’t able to exemplify the strength that resided within her.

The only time she wasn’t able to come to church was when she either had no oxygen or was in the hospital. She would always say how she wanted to do more for the church, but she already did so much for the church as an example of faithfulness and determination even until the end. As much as it pains us that she is gone, she is no longer in pain. She has received her reward.

Humbly submitted on this 14th day of March, 2020, The New Life Tabernacle @ Wesley Chapel UPC Church Family, Richard E. Colhouer III, Associate Pastor; 2640 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544 ____________________________________ Richard E. Colhouer III, Associate Pastor

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

The

Interval Between

Vivienne Dawn Langrin was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on October 27, 1951 to proud parents Myrtle and Howard Langrin. Dawn, as she is affectionately called, was the first of five siblings, Azalee, Florette, Desaree and Michael. She grew up in a happy well-adjusted home where prayers and devotion was the foundational glue which kept the family together.

At approximately six years of age Dawn attended Chetola Park Elementary School in Kingston, Jamaica, where she stayed for a short time. She was moved to Avondale Preparatory School under the tutelage of Ms. Lynn who kept a keen eye on her. While there she was successful in the Common Entrance Examination and then attended St Andrews High School from which she graduated after five years.

In September 1970, Dawn enrolled in Shortwood Teachers College where she majored in Social Studies and English Language. After leaving college she completed a one year internship at Tivoli Gardens Junior Secondary School and remained on staff for approximately seven years. Dawn resigned from Tivoli and decided that she would switch her profession. She joined her father in the real estate business until his passing in 1982. She eventually became disenchanted with the real estate business. Not wanting to reenter the classroom, she thought about how to proceed and about that time the opportunity to migrate to the United States of America presented itself.

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

While here in the United States Dawn worked as a certified Nursing Assistant. Desiring to do further studies, she enrolled in Keiser University where she successfully completed a course in Medical Transcriptionist followed by a paralegal course which was her original intent. Dawn never had the opportunity of working in this field. Her shortness of breath acted as a deterrent causing her to fear whether or not she would be able to handle life in the corporate world.

The signs of her illness started to present itself in subtle ways long before she migrated to the USA. However, it was here in America that it was definitively confirmed that she had the disease of Lupus. She fought a long, hard, and courageous battle. She never wanted to give up, in so much, that when the church announced in 1995 that they would be attending a conference in Ethiopia, Dawn was on board. We were all concerned, wondering if she would have been able to cope, but she came through with flying colors. To God be the glory.

Dawn displayed no open show of emotions even in the face of extreme discomfort. She bore her pain with grace. Dawn faithfully served in the Sunday School department at Pentecostal Tabernacle for over ten years. On any Sunday morning she could be seen pulling her oxygen apparatus to her class, hurrying as best she could, and if stopped on the way she would say, “I can’t stop, I don’t want to be late.” She was unwavering in her devotion to the students in her Sunday school class, which she shared with three other teachers. If all she could do was take the register, then that would Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

have been enough to give her a sense of accomplishment.

After many years of ups and downs, good times and bad times, Dawn made the decision to move to Tampa to reside with her sister. Dawn was an excellent driver, and often was the designated driver for many out of town rendezvous.

After moving to Tampa Dawn was given strict instructions from her doctors not to drive. That really aggravated her and crippled her sense of independence. She made such remarks as “I am going to drive, they can’t tell me what to do.” On occasions, when her cousin Vivia had the good fortune of driving her, she would be under severe scrutiny and would often be told “You drive too slow, drive up the car nuh.”

Her life in Tampa was filled with many hospital stays. Going back and forth to the hospital was frustrating for her and she wanted it to stop. She frequently expressed to the family and to others who visited with her, that she was now ready to go home; she had become tired of the physical suffering. We brushed it aside not fully understanding the extent of what she was going through, because we wanted her to stay with us. She had a few close calls, but her timing was not God’s timing.

In the late eighties Dawn took on the name of Jesus in baptism, and received the infilling of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Her walk with God was exemplary, displaying a meek and quiet spirit, always with a smile and most of all never complaining about her illness. She led a fulfilling life in Christ and has now gone on to receive her reward.

Kudos Sis. Vivienne Dawn Langrin until we meet again. You will be sadly missed by family, friends, and your church family at Pentecostal Tabernacle, Miami Gardens and New Life Tabernacle, Wesley Chapel.

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

Reflections

When I started at Motorola in January of 2000, I would notice this lady, like a Nascar driver, passing me at the bus stop every day. I later found out that we worked in the same place and lived in the same neighborhood, so I decided to find out who she was. This was how I met Vivienne Langrin, affectionately called Dawn, who became my close friend, my confidant, prayer partner, encourager, teacher, stylist, adviser, and mother. As our friendship grew, we would spend hours together - cooking, chilling, praying, sharing the word and talking about the keeping power of Jesus Christ. Dawn loved to get dolled up, with her dark glasses complementing her look. She was that “glamour girl” with that bouncing mane.

As her illness progressed, her faith remained strong.

I borrow these words from the book, Migrant Child, by the late Dr. Marva Hare-Morris, which I feel portrayed Dawn’s faith in the Lord: “You stand for Jesus every day and you never forget to pray. You stand for Jesus comes what may, because you know standing for Jesus surely pays. You stand for Jesus when things go wrong.

You stand for Jesus and sing sweet songs. You stand for Jesus for his promises are sure. You stand for Jesus and live pure. You stand for Jesus for he is your cure. You stand for Jesus because He has good things in store.”

Dawn, thank you for 20 years of friendship. It was difficult holding your hand as you took your last breath, but I take comfort in knowing that we will meet again. So, until then, rest in peace. I Love you. Marlene.

She was known to many as Dawn but for me, she was always Viv. I remember our first meeting - we ran into each other trying to locate our seats in the auditorium before roll call. That was at Shortwood Teachers College in September 1970. We had built a fairly close relationship but she didn’t want to hear about my Christianity. She was into glamour and fashion. Fast forward to November 2000 when I relocated to Florida and during my first church service at Pentab, I received the brochure where I saw the name Vivienne Langrin on the list of the sick for prayer. I remember turning to Bro. Seymour and saying, “There’s only one person with this name.”

Viv showed up for church two weeks later and in our reunion, she shared how she came to know the Lord and our relationship moved to a higher plane. In 2006 – 2008, Viv was part of the teaching team (Bro. C. Gillings, Sis. Evadney Douglas, Sis. Vivienne Langrin and myself) who worked with the Junior class in Sunday School.

In March, 2008 I switched worship centers. However, our sisterhood remained intact up to Saturday February 29 when I watched her heave to release her last breath. Viv, I will truly miss your laughter and our unique spiritual and uplifting conversations. I won’t forget those signature dark glasses and that unique head movement that displayed the glamour of your God-given tresses.

I look forward to seeing you again in that roll call up yonder. Sis. L. Seymour Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

Reflections Vivienne was a very faithful, quiet, humble and serene person. Ever since I met her in 1993, we have been closely bonded both spiritually and socially. I admired her unwavering trust in the Lord for sustaining her during the painful moments over the years.

Vivienne was a stalwart; she did not give up regardless of what the doctors said. She relied on her faith in God to give her strength and to carry on during the battle with respiratory illness. As the years went by and we got closer, we would pray together and I made myself available to serve her, if she needed my help. Dawn did not allow anything to prevent her from being in church, if she was not in the hospital. She would even attend functions with her oxygen. She fought a good fight, she finished her course and is now resting in the presence of the Lord. I truly miss her as a sister and a friend. Her soul is now resting in peace and perpetual light is shining on her. Olive Taylor

“A pair of dark glasses will identify her anywhere.

“Friendly” and “glamorous” are adjectives that would suit her.” This quote, extracted from the 1972 publication of The Echo, the Shortwood Teachers College yearbook, was a sentiment of her colleagues during her years at college. This is how we will always remember you, Vivienne. We will not forget your display of unflawed glamour and your resolute resolve to succeed in the game of life. You have completed your race and we are truly saddened by your passing, but we hold your memory dear in our hearts. May

your soul rest in peace.

The Shortwood Sisterhood of South Florida

Mario and I join in silent mourning at Dawn’s passing. Our absence is unavoidable but our thoughts are with you. Accept our condolences and remember, death is like the putting out of the flame in the morning light, not the extinguishing of the sun.

Best wishes from Mario and Pansie - Cousins

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Genesis Funeral Home 5749 Pembroke Rd Hollywood, FL 33023 954-962-3017

INTERMENT Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens 2401 SW Davie Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317

PRINTING Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org 305-651-9696

PALL BEARERS Michael Langrin - Brother David Langrin - Cousin Mark Maturah - Nephew Fred Gray - Cousin Rudi Barnes - Friend Derek Myers – Friend REPAST

Please join us for a time of fellowship after the interment.

Old Davy School 6650 Griffin Rd Davie, FL 33314

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Gracious GraFX Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016

Homegoing Celebration of Vivienne D. Langrin

Thank You

The family of the late Vivienne Dawn Langrin wishes to express their deep gratitude, sincere thanks and appreciation to the church family, relatives, friends and well-wishers for their expressions of kindness, love and support during this time of bereavement.

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

I Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)

THE MEMORIAL KEEPSAKE A Production of

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