It is my privilege to pay tribute today to Minnet, the rock and anchor of our family. Minnet has been a constant in my life since I was a little girl. I called her my second mother. I could spend all day recalling sweet memories of Minnet – sitting on my bed at nights to help calm my fear of the dark, never leaving until I fell asleep; taking care of me through every childhood disease, teaching me to recite the books of the Bible in song, always caring always encouraging, always loving.

But today, what I want to talk about is the Legacy that Minnet left behind- a Legacy of love; that self-less concern for the welfare of others. Everyone that knew Minnet marveled at her zeal for life, her endless energy and the love that she gave to everyone that she met.

Minnet’s unconditional love came from her deep faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She lived in obedience to the “greatest” commandment that Jesus taught – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it”Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt:22:37-38). The Bible says in Galatians 5:6 that, “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Minnet’s entire existence was the definition of love.

Minnet’s love was sacrificial. She always put other’s first, and herself last. She took loving care of her family, especially Mom (Merton Wright), her friend and close companion for over 60 plus years. We were all in awe of her. Minnet would go to the ends of the earth to get something that she knew that you loved. I remember my daughter telling me:”Mom, I can’t believe Auntie Minnie, she walked all the way to Liguanea in the rain just to get patties for us to take back home”; she just loved blessing others.

Minnet loved her church and her church family. She served her church as a member of the Christian Auxiliary Movement faithfully. Minnet loved children – not only her own, but the children that she taught so diligently at Mona Primary and Wolmer’s Prep. Minnet worked tirelessly as the Jamaican liaison for my charity, Jullian’s Kids, seeing to every detail and making sure that all goods were distributed to the children. Minnet was a loving encourager. How many times she would lift me up when I was distraught or sad, always with an encouraging word, reminding me of God’s sovereignty and His wisdom.

Minnet was fearless, determined, devoted, loyal, humble, sweet, generous, joyful, and yes, always rejoicing,

Romans12:9-13 is a perfect definition of Minnet.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, doing what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

That was Minnet. Everyone that came to visit at 35 Wellington Drive got a taste of her hospitality – it was unparalleled. She never rested until everyone else’s needs were taken care of.

At the final call, when Minnet took her last breath, she was ushered into the presence of God Almighty, the Lord Most High. It did not matter how many degrees she had, how much money she had, or what kind of car she drove; the only thing that mattered to God was how much she loved and glorified God with her life.

I have no doubt as she stood before the “Most Holy One”, to whom we all must give account someday, that he praised her with the words” Well done, good and faithful servant” …. Now, receive the Crown of Life – Eternal Life.

Minnet, God blessed this earth and especially your family the day that you were born, and now Heaven is blessed to have you there.