Obituary of Sybil Joyce Edwards

OBITUARY SYBIL JOYCE THOMPSON-EDWARDS In July of 1948, Lennie and Gladys Thompson did not care that Harry Truman was president of the United States or that the United States accepted their first female recruits in the Air Force. They also did not care that in July 1948, Jamaica sent their first delegation to the Summer Olympic games in England. Paramount on their minds was the fact that on Thursday July 8th they gave birth to their daughter Sybil Joyce Thompson who was the Sixth of eleven children. The name Sybil is primarily a female name of Greek Origin that means prophetess. Little did Lennie and Gladys Thompson know that their little prophetess would grow up to speak calmness and peace into the lives of so many whom she interacted with. Sybil completed her formal education at the Wilson’s Run All Age School. She blossomed into a very beautiful young woman with classiness and finesse of a model. At an early age she became very attached to her older sister Evadney (Merlene), so it became second nature for her to join Merlene in Duncans, Trelawny to pursue work opportunities. After she had her daughters Marvelle and Tracey, she spent more time as a home maker and raising her girls, whom she adored. She also spent her years helping to raise her nieces and nephews. Sybil was an avid cook of multiple dishes and was also good at baking Jamaican fruit cakes and other pastries as well as being very adept at needlework, especially the art of crocheting. Sybil got married to Ralston Edwards on February 2nd,1995, a marriage and a relationship that grew life’s horizon for her. In November of 1990, Sybil migrated to the United States for search of a better life for herself and her children. She worked in customer service with First Union National Bank in Philadelphia, PA until her retirement. Her spiritual growth was nurtured at the Wilson’s Run Baptist Church and later at the Duncans Methodist Church in Jamaica. While in Pennsylvania, she attended Memorial Church of God in Christ. One of her greatest joys was being a part of the weekly family prayer session on Thursdays at 8 pm, and the Sunday afternoons socialization, discussions and praying with the family on the Zoom platform. Her laughter, input and contributions to these discussions will be sorely missed. Despite her physical challenges, she never lost her smile, her charm nor her passion to do good to others. Her smile not only warm a room but also the hearts of whom she encountered and whenever she laughed you yourself couldn’t help but join her. You could recognize her laughter wherever you were, and it became an array of light in your heart. It was cheerful and warm! When tomorrow starts, I will not be there with you. As the sun rises and find your eyes filled with tears. I beg you don’t cry. I know your love; I experienced your warmth and tender care. Because as I stand on the promises of Christ my King, at the sound of the first trumpet, I shall rise, as we shall all celebrate the triumphant return of our Redeemer. Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, will be sadly missed. Sybil is predeceased by her husband Ralston Edwards, Parents, Lenford and Gladys Thompson, Sisters Hazeldeen (Vaddie), Monica (Roxie), Venis, Lamesa, Eula and Merlene, and brothers Anthony (Val) and Desmond (Busha). After a brief hospitalization, Sybil succumbed to complications which led to her death on November 30th, 2021. She leaves to mourn both of her daughters Marvelle and Tracey, grandchildren Sydante’ and Jordan, great grandchildren Briley, Hailey, and Kinsley. Sisters Zona and Pansy; brother Lenroy (Bill), hosts of nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. This is not goodbye. As many of you know, Sybil had very strong faith. She believed in LOVE & HARMONY. We know that she is at PEACE now. Now it's our turn to go LIVE life to the fullest and keep her legacy ALIVE! Lovingly Submitted, The Family