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
SURVIVORS
Wife
Lyra Parsons
Daughters
Dunicia Adams
Sherry Parsons-Stoutt
Sharlene Parsons
Darlene Parsons
Sons
survivors
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
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
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
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
Opening Hymn
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.
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.
Elder David Williams
Blessed Assurance
Elder David Williams
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
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 Ijanaé Farrington
Great Grand-Daughter
Tribute Carnel Smith
Scripture Reading - 1 Thess. 4: 13-18 Shelomoth Stoutt
Eulogy Rosetta Crandall
Friend Grand-Daughter Niece
Message of Hope Elder Dennis Jones
Prayer of Consolation Pastor Sylvester Williams
First Elder of RT SDA Chruch
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?
Sweeping through the gates of the new Jerusalem, 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
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.
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.
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.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway Clouds will overspread the sky; But when travelling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
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
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.
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?
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.
On the bosom of the river, where the Saviour, King we own,
We shall meet, and sorrow never, ‘neath the glory of the throne.
Ere we reach the shining river lay we ev’ry burden down, Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown.
Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver, with the melody of peace.
at graveside
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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
