Grandville Parsons Funeral Booklet

Celebrating the life of

GRANVILLE “Picky Picky” PARSONS November 30, 1933 - October 17, 2024 Sunday November 3rd, 2024 Carrot Bay Seventh Day Adventist Youth Center Viewing: 10:00 AM Service: 11:00 AM Minister: Pastor Sylvester Williams Organist: Reynell Frazer Interment: Capoon’s Bay Cemetery

urvivor

SURVIVORS

Wife Lyra Parsons

Daughters Dunicia Adams Sherry Parsons-Stoutt Sharlene Parsons Darlene Parsons Sons Antonio Parsons Lucien Greaves Don Pickering Kevin ‘Lazarus’ Parsons Dave ‘Canon’ Richards Clive ‘Jah Luth’ Parsons Devin ‘Caddie’ Parsons Nevin Parsons Adopted Sons Kurtney Thomas Byron Massicot

Sisters Bernice Wilshire Iona Thomas Yvette Matthias BrendaLee Parsons Brother Rudel Parsons

Grandchildren Dwight Adams Tanikia Adams Kishana Adams Kishawn Archibald Alford Martin Jr.

La Vida Christian Kevin Parsons-Young Kedreana Parsons Kendell “Stats’ Parsons Keron Parsons K’voni Parsons Shelomoth Stoutt Shekina Stoutt Shantel Richards-Gurdat Shanice Richards Shaneé Richards Courderro Farrington Karelle Parsons Kishelle Parsons Kayana Parsons Rukiya Parsons Hula Parsons Latifah Lewis Chinwe Lewis Denniston Lewis Jr. Devon Parsons Darrion Parsons Kemuel Parsons Kadea Potter Kadeon Potter Great-Grand Children Makel Adams Lanera Phillips A’Moi Adams A’Miya Adams Amir McGee La’Nya James Logan Pemberton Lance Fahie Saria-Blessings Stoutt Ijanaé Farrington Courjanaé Farrington

Daughters-in-law Violet Jackson-Parsons Lisa Lettsome-Parsons Sons-in-law Elridge Adams Clifton Stoutt Sr. Sister-in-law Shirley Parsons God Children Malvern Brathwaite Hon. Myron Walwyn Sheril Donovan-Smith Denise Mercer Special Friends Salvadore Callwood Ricky Butterfuso Obi Chester

survivors

Samaria Potter Zayvion Parsons Sloan Parsons La’Quan Jordon Loyal Jordon Liya Young Zion Young Gideon Young Grace Young Brixton Parsons Shanté Brown Shayna Gurdat Shayne Gurdat Shamar Gurdat Caiden Rice Yara Tate Alford Martin Jr. Twins

Carnel Smith Ulbana Morillo Norica Lynch Eurice Charles Leon ‘Popuse’ Thomas Conrad ‘Dodgie’ Lewis Garvin Turnbull George Turnbull Ifield Hodge Henito Rymer Nevaro Donovan Roosevelt Smith Bertie Penn

Honorary Pall Bearers Rudel Parsons Kevin ‘Lazarus’ Parsons Dave ‘Canon’ Richards Devin ‘Caddie’ Parsons Nevin Parsons Dwight Adams Pall Bearers Kevin Parsons-Young Kendell Parsons Courderro Farrington Karelle Parsons Kadeon Potter Keron Parsons K’voni Parsons

Ushers Shekina Stoutt Lena Thomas-Mongra Lorrily Anthony Deanne Parsons Kadea Potter

ORDER OF SERVICE Musical Prelude Processional Welcome and Opening Remarks

Pastor Sylvester Williams

Opening Prayer

Elder David Williams

Opening Hymn

Blessed Assurance Elder David Williams

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love

Scripture Reading-Romans 8: 35-39 Tribute

Ijanaé Farrington Great Grand-Daughter

Carnel Smith

Friend

Scripture Reading - 1 Thess. 4: 13-18

Shelomoth Stoutt

Eulogy

Rosetta Crandall

Message of Hope Prayer of Consolation

Grand-Daughter Niece

Elder Dennis Jones

First Elder of RT SDA Chruch

Pastor Sylvester Williams

Recessional song

Sweeping the Gates of the New Jerusalem

Who, who are these beside the chilly wave, Just on the borders of the silent grave, Shouting Jesus’ power to save, Washed in the blood of the Lamb?

These, these are they who in affliction’s woes Ever have found in Jesus calm repose, Such as from a pure heart flows, Washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Sweeping through the gates of the new Jerusalem, Washed in the blood of the Lamb.

These, these are they who in the conflict dire Boldly have stood amid the hottest fire; Jesus now says: Come up higher; Washed in the blood of the Lamb.

These, these are they who in their youthful days, Found Jesus early, and in wisdom’s ways Proved the fulness of his grace, Washed in the blood of the Lamb.

EULOGY

Granville Parsons was born to the late Samuel and Florence Parsons of New Bush or what we call Johnny Ghut on November 30th 1933. He was affectionate known as Picky Picky.

However, as he aged, he would correct you if you called him that. He would say “Mr. Picky Picky please”.

As a young boy growing up, he made it to 5th standard and then decided to assist with the caring of the family, as his father only had one hand. He would travel “under the table” to St. Thomas for 29 days at a time to work for and support the family, including his parents and siblings. His time was well spent in St. Thomas because he made certain to spread his ‘wild oats’ there. Picky Picky fathered 5 children during his 29 at a time, 2 girls (Dunicia & Janet) and 3 boys (Antonio, Lucien and Don). Things got shaky so he returned home to Tortola with a ring singing “Tell Lyra I love her, Tell Lyra I need her, Tell Lyra my love for her will never die.” While singing those heavenly lyrics in her ears, Lyra sprang forth seven strong, 4 girls (Sherry, Sharlene, Genevieve, & Darlene) and 3 boys (Kevin, Devin & Nevin).

His male friends knew him to be a man with lots of energy of which he was not afraid to share. He was quite a looker with his handsome face, charming and award-winning smile. These physical traits rewarded him again with two more of his kind (Dave & Clive).

Picky Picky loved his forty eleven grand-children dearly. He would make sure to tell and teach them life lessons. For instance, if you were taking a bath, one can always hear him shouting out “Wash your face before you wash your feet”. He would also say “Leave them alone, they goin come home wagging them tail behind them and all who don’t hear going feel.” These indeed are a few life lessons that we have not failed to pass on to our children. He told stories of when he was growing up and how things have changed since back in the day. These stories were told so many times that one would literally fall asleep once he starts over. Grandfather, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, looked forward to him pealing sugarcane, taking them to Popeye for chicken and chips, riding in the back of the big white truck, cleaning his house, cooking his food and washing windows. On certain holidays, the family would block the Garden Road and celebrate different occasions. If anyone came up the road driving in their vehicle wanting to pass, the children would say, “Our father build this road, go round.”

He would also take his children and grand-children to the horse race in Sea Cows Bay where he called Hog City every August Tuesday. That was indeed something to look forward to.

Among the sports, Picky Picky loved horse racing. Granville and his brother Rudel reared several winning horses. He also loved wrestling, especially the Vonericks. You would hear him, along with the children and grand-children chanting, “HIT HE, HIT HE, KILL HE, KILL HE, YES, YES”.

You would hear Picky Picky whistling while he worked outside or even singing a hymn or two. Several of his children and grand-children adopted that whistling habit of which he would scold the females especially. He would say, “Stop your man whistling.”

It was evident that he shared a very special relationship with his black and white look alike Uncle Walter Crandall. Even though Picky lost his memory, he would always ask, “What become of Crandall?” When one would say, “Daddy, you forget Uncle Walter died and he would reply and

say, “How come nobody ain’t tell me?” This proves that even in death, there is life.

Granville was a very strong and hard-working fellow who did what he had to in order to support his children and grand-children. He was a very good building contractor who worked on several building projects and roads. Also, he built and repaired several brick ovens all around Tortola, most of which can still be seen standing strong. Mr. Parsons worked at Paraquita Bay up in the hillside planting crops alongside his good friends Henito and his almost name alike Glanville. Picky was the one who built the coal-pits and trash houses for the Agricultural Fair that everyone was in awe of. He was a very talented man who knew how to use his God given gifts. Additionally, Picky Picky was a livestock farmer who butchered animals for his weekly customers around the island. All this he did as if it was second nature.

There was so much to learn from his many talents.

For more than ten years, Picky Picky suffered from alzheimer’s disease. His strength was so powerful that even in his bad days he fought strong and hard. One thing that resignates from his speech was “Once a man, twice a child.” No matter where his memory stood, that was his motto. He suffered long and fought through it. The Parsons’ breed was quite visible in his resilience to sickness. He fought a good fight, he ran his race. It is with hope that his soul is now resting in eternal peace. Sleep on Mr. Picky Picky.

TRIBUTES

While I know the dead is no more, I chose to express myself in this manner. God understands.

Daddy, I will never forget you. I would say that I have been with you all my life. We had really rough times, then more rough times, but we pulled through it all. You basically taught me all I know.

Those rough times helped me to be ‘Built For It’. Your life forced me to do things I would have never imagined. Then I would remember that Scripture says ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ My love for the Almighty God blossomed through our father-daughter relationship and my belief has always been that he used you to get through to me. Being the youngest has always been a struggle for me, more so now, but then I know God chose me. He chose me to be last and he chose you to bless me from birth. I understand that now and I will forever be grateful for the friendship we shared. God put me in charge of you and during that process, he was creating a new thing in me.

I am grateful. We suffered, oh my, we suffered, but for the good God has in store for me. I have been praying and asking God to take you out of your suffering and I knew your time was very close and look now, you are gone. You fought a good fight, you have finished your race. My prayer is that your spirit lies in the hands of the Almighty and your soul rests in eternal peace. I will forever miss you. A heartfelt thanks is expressed to all who made your life worth living. Daddy I gone!

Darlene (Daughter) I will cherish all the memories I have of Grandfather. I fondly remember us grandkids hanging out by Mother and no matter where we were, whether in the house, in the yard or even in the mango tree. Once we heard his truck from afar coming up the Garden, we would run to meet him at the speed bump chanting excitedly, “Grandfather! Grandfather!”

We knew when he came, he came baring gifts! Fresh sugar cane from his yard, and a variety of fresh fruits! My main focus was the cane because that was my favorite. We would run in the kitchen to get a knife and big bowl to put it in although the bowl wouldn’t even get half full how quick we would eat it! He would tell us all types of stories, some about how things were back in the day, some about how certain people became related to us, and many funny stories about when he was younger. We really cherished those times.

I remember when I lived in Brewers Bay, he would come just the same, baring gifts and stories and he would sneak me a little cash when no one was looking. Even when I wasn’t around, he made sure to find me and make sure I was good!

Our last conversation, I told him I was going to bring Hula to America. He was more excited than anyone, repeating, “Wah! Hula in America! What is this! He ain’t going to want to come back!

Well sah” Hula or “Tubsy” as he affectionately called him, was really his boy!

I’m so grateful to have these memories to think back on. I loved him dearly. May his soul rest in eternal peace!

Chinwe Lewis (granddaughter)

To the Family of Granville Parsons Whenever we would run into Granville, he was always welcoming, always with a kind word to say, often sharing his memories of our father, his cousin, Jimmy. And we would always let him know the feelings were mutual as our father admired and respected him. To the family, in the midst of your grief, it is hard to find words to comfort your pain, However, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies on your loss. Granville’s quiet and pleasant demeanor made him a joy to be around. His warm smile and kind words comforted everyone he met. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, as you accept the loss of a great father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. May the cherished memories bring you moments of comfort and lasting peace. May the Lord bless Granville as he Rest in Eternal Peace Descendants of the late James “Jimmy” Parsons, Sr., Son of the late Ernest Parsons of New Bush, Tortola Dear Mr. Parsons, I hope this letter finds you in peace.

I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, and I wanted to take a moment to share what’s been on my mind and heart.

You were such a significant part of my early life, and I cherish the memories we created together.

I find myself recalling the times we spent together—whether it was my sandbox, or overall being a grandfather figure in my life. Those moments are treasures to me.

I miss seeing you and seeing your smile whenever we visited. Your kindness inspired me, and I strive to carry those lessons forward in my life. I hope you know how much you meant to me and how deeply you are missed.

As I navigate through life, I find comfort in the thought that you are watching over me. I’ll continue to honor your memory by living with the same love and compassion that you showed to everyone around you.

Thank you for everything, Mr. Parsons. Until we meet again.

With love, Ricky Buttafuso My condolences to the whole family.

The Management and Seniors of the Carrot Bay Senior’s Engagement Program, extend sincere condolences to the entire Parsons Family, as you mourn the death of Mr. Parsons. It was always a pleasure when he came to the Engagement Program to fellowship with us, while exhibiting his big contagious beautiful smile and quiet demeanor. We Pray that God will continue to give you the strength, peace and comfort needed, as you go through this time of grief. We are comforted that while weeping may endure for the night, that joy comes in the morning. We look forward to that day when we will never have to say ‘Good Bye.’ We will continue to keep the family in our thoughts and Prayers.

May his Soul rest in Peace.

Carrot Bay Senior’s Engagement Program

Life is a journey and on this journey, death is expected. We know not how, when or where. Granville and I would have celebrated 62 years of marriage on 22nd October, but through all his suffering, God saw it fit to end that journey. There are so many things I can say about our journey through those years, but I find myself at lost for words at this time. It was not easy. My encouragement though, is that we all live a life that depicts the fruits of the spirit because we know not when. Life is short and time is very precious, so let’s not tarry, but commit and recommit our lives to the Lord while time is with us. Allow God to do his will in your life. My prayer is that Granville’s soul rests in eternal peace.

Lyra Parsons (wife) Glar, we are truly saddened by your passing, however God knows best and we are comforted that you are in a better place. Rest on in eternal peace until we meet again around God’s Holy Throne.

Mucko (Iona) sister I met Mr. Granville Parsons when I started dating his grandson Kevin 14 years ago. It always amazed me that someone so advanced in age could climb on a ladder, do electrical work and paint his house, all while a delicious pot of food was on the fire cooking with the produce that he planted and harvested. To me, he was strong like an ox and his skin beautiful. He was always incredibly kind to me. I felt at home every time I visited my new grandfather. Whenever it was time for me to leave, I would stop by his house to get bags of sugar cane and other food items carefully packaged by him.

I’m so grateful for our time together. I will cherish those conversations on the verandah, walking through his garden and sharing meals with him. A visit with him was never boring, but full of love and kindness. Mr. Granville will be dearly missed. May he eternally rest in the bosom of Jesus Christ.

Mandi Young (granddaughter-in-law) Grandfather, your life was a beautiful testament to love, generosity, and kindness. Though distance and my quiet nature kept us from being as close as I’d hoped, I always felt the deep pride and love you held for me. Hearing of your passing, I felt both confusion and heartbreak, realizing I hadn’t seen you in a while and wouldn’t have the chance to again—but I trust in God’s wisdom. Your legacy of love, the kindness you showed to the world will forever be remembered and cherished. Rest peacefully until we meet again.

Nina (granddaughter)

What can I say. You were absolutely the best Grandfather I could ever ask for. I am thankful for the memories that I shared with you. They will take me through a lifetime. I will always be proud (and will continue to brag) of the strong hardworking man that you were. Thank you for my foundation. I love you Mr. Picky Picky, in life and in death.

“There is no one in this world that could ever take your place and your love in this world could never be replaced”~ Goodbye Your oldest living Granddaughter, “Tani” Tanikia Uncle Granville Jah say before 1 of H.I.M. words pass away Zion & Earth goin crash. H.I.M say H.I.M. gone to prepare a place so that where H.I.M. is InI shall be there also. On behalf of Mammie & the rest ah we, InI give thanks to have been a part of your life. So many memories. May the mercy & grace of the Most High shelter & cradle you with H.I.M mighty arms straight to Mount Zion...Rest easy ‘Picky Picky’. Love alone.

Sensi...(nephew) Me: Picky Picky!

Him: Who You Calling Picky Picky?

Me: Ok Grandfather. That’s Better?

Early To Bed, Early To Rise. Makes A Man Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. - & These Are The Standards I Live By To Date. If you know me, you know. I’m always Early.

Wah Yuh Hawe For The Poor? Poor Man Kind!

I remember you told me soo many things. Where to start?

I remember the many stories you gave me about being your favorite grandchild. I remember you telling me you have a feeling when I get older I’ll stop studying and I made sure to prove you wrong.

I remember that time mommy told me you were in the hospital in April and I needed to go look for you. I cried going to the hospital, I cried when I reached to the hospital and all when I was leaving the hospital. I cried even more telling mommy I don’t want to lose you.

I also remember you always somehow managing to get away and go for those walks. Mummy would call and say, “Kadea where you is? Do me a favor, Sharlene just call and say your grandfather gone, see if you can go and find him for me nuh.” & I would always go and whenever I found you I would ask, “How you gon’ go walking without me?” You would respond, “That make sense? I ah big man innuh.”

I watched you transitioned from the big and strong man going to work every day, bringing home bread and rock bun from Josh (which I love to this day)… cutting cane when you came over from work for us (the grands by mother). To grandfather I not too long ago by a jeep when we going test it out? To feeding you, and helping to lift you up.

You knew our birthdays were ten days apart. Boi grandfather ah gon’ miss you.! You were my fav and I was yours.

I’ll miss hearing you say, “Kay Das You? You Big Like A Ship. Where You Going Wid All Da Weight?”

Grandfather See You On The Other Side..

Love Kay! Your Favorite Grandchild!! Kadea K. Potter

hymns at graveside

HYMNS AT GRAVESIDE Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms; O how bright the path grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

When We All Get to Heaven

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place.

While we walk the pilgrim pathway Clouds will overspread the sky; But when travelling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.

When we all get to Heaven What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus We’ll sing and shout the victory.

Onward to the prize before us!

Soon His beauty we behold; Soon the pearly gates will open, We shall tread the streets of gold.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged: Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness: Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Saviour still our refuge: Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

God be with you till we meet again; Loving counsels guide, uphold you, May the Shepherd’s care enfold you; God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet.

Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again; Unseen wings, protecting, hide you, Daily manna still provide you; God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again; When life’s perils thick confound you, Put unfailing arms around you; God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again; Keep love’s banner floating o’er you, Death’s threat’ning wave before you; God be with you till we meet again.

When the Roll is Call Up Yonder When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

hymns at graveside

God Be with you Till we Meet Again

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of his resurrection share; When his chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun; Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care.

Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Shall We Gather at the River Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod; With its crystal tide for ever, flowing by the throne of God?

Ere we reach the shining river lay we ev’ry burden down, Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river, Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver, with the melody of peace.

On the bosom of the river, where the Saviour, King we own, We shall meet, and sorrow never, ‘neath the glory of the throne.

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Special Thanks Caregivers: Ulbana Morillo, Euris Charles & KSB Nursing & Domestic Aid Medical Team at Dr. D. Olando Smith Hospital Pixels Digital Services Graveside Crew