March 31, April 12, 2018

Transcription

1 March 31, April 12, 2018 Service: Saturday April 28, PM Full Gospel Tabernacle 4215 Beach Channel Drive, Far Rockaway, NY Reverend Carlus Hamilton, Officiating Final Service: Saturday May 12, PM Faith Gospel Hall York District, Seaforth St Thomas Jamaica, WI Reverend Michael Hill, Officiating

2 Jesus said I am the resurrection and I am the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. I died and behold I am alive for evermore and I hold the keys of hell and death. Because I live, you shall live also. (John 11:25) Aston Anthony Burnett, affectionately called Toney and Mr. T, was the 3rd child born to Euphemia Hamilton on Thursday March 31, 1949 in a little district called Stewartfield, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the eastern parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. His parents had seven other children after Toney resulting in a total of ten siblings. He grew up as boys in the rural areas of the island did in those days. Toney learned at an early age to farm, cook as well how to care for his siblings. These acquired skill proved to be instrumental in the way he lived his life. Toney grew up in Top Hill District and attended the Seaforth Primary School until the age of 15 years. The church was an integral part of his upbringing, especially with a mother who lived her life in service to God. Toney spent his late teenage years learning the skill of welding in Danvers Pen with Mr. Chippy. Toney s welding skill meant that he would gain employment. His first job was with the Serge Island Sugar Factory. Following that position, in 1972 he moved to the Goodyear Tyre Factory, both of which was in his home parish of St. Thomas. In 1970 Toney moved back to Stewartfield, the place of his birth. Soon after, he met Salma Stewart from George Hall, Hillside. She became his lifelong partner. The two started raising their family. In 1979, Toney emigrated to the United States. Initially to Florida but for a brief time; he then moved to Milton, NY before settling in Newburgh, NY. In early 1980, he was joined by his beloved wife Salma and older children. Their family grew with two additional children who were born here.

3 Toney worked with Hudson Valley Apple Farm as a heavy equipment operator before joining the Laborers Local Laborers International Union of NA Bridges & Highway Maintenance, where he subsequently worked for 22 years before retiring in Retirement for Toney meant an opportunity to pursue his passion. Together with Salma they opened and operated the well know Mr. T s West Indian Restaurant in Newburgh. After 17 successful years they closed the business in With his love of farming, Toney s backyard became the farm. His farm/ garden flourished and something would always be blooming as soon as the weather permitted. One could always count on his scotch bonnet peppers, bell peppers and callaloo. These were some of his many crops he pride himself in growing. He was known for making Mr. T s Jamaican Jerk Sauce, wines and roots drinks. Despite the years living outside of Jamaica, Toney remained very passionate about his island home and his hometown of Seaforth, Stewartfield and Top Hill. So, after the lifetime of the strong bond that he shared with his siblings, after nearly fifty years of love and union with Salma, after watching all his children grow up and giving each of them an opportunity and an example, Toney was summoned to higher calling by The Heavenly Father on Thursday April 12, 2018 at approximately 7 a.m. He leaves behind his tightly knit family and many dear friends to celebrate his life. Toney is survived by: Wife: Salma,5 Children: Charlton Q, Mercian, Aston, Natasha and Sean. He was pre-deceased by Dale Marvalyn Debbie. 6 Brothers: Winston, Jonathan, Carlus, Gary, Byron and Sibtorph. 3 Sisters: Hazel, Carlene and Daffodil. Daughter-in- law: Nichole Arlene Grandsons: Charlton (Jr), Kevin and Carl. Nephews: Richard, Cleve, Jonathan Jr, Geoffery, Gary, Isaac, Nicholas, Winston Jr, Hugh, and Byron Jr. Nieces: Althea, Elizabeth, Victoria, Sarah, Ashley, Alexandra, Jessica and Sydney. Aunt: Thelma Fenty Uncle: Headley Burnett Many other relatives, in-laws and friends. Toney may no longer be on this earth to walk the streets again. But his legacy will live on. This gentle, loving and caring giant now sits with the angels around God s throne. Our faith comforts us to trust in the fact that it was The Lord who called him home. We will forever treasure the memories. Walk good Toney!

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6 Psalm 4:8 (Niv) In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety Opening Prayer... Pastor Maggie Hamilton(NY) Reverend Michael Hill (JA) First Scripture Reading...Psalm 91 Cleve McFarlane (nephew) (NY) Dr. Andrea White-McNeil, CHE (Cousin) (JA) Opening Hymns:...Full Gospel Tabernacle Great Is thy Faithfulness It is well with my soul Selection...Full Gospel Tabernacle (NY) Selection...United Methodist Church (JA) Second Scripture Reading...1 St Thessalonian 4: Althea Hamilton (Niece) Third Scripture Reading...Romans 8: Ashley Hamilton (Niece) Tribute 1...Marcia Phipps (friend) Prince Theo (friend) Tribute 2...Jessica Burnett (Niece) Tribute 3...Veletia O Stewart-Seeley (Sister-in- law) Tribute 4...Karen White-Edward (cousin) Leonard Thomas (cousin) Eulogy... Jennes Edwards- Hamilton (Sister-in- law) Hymn...Amazing Grace Words of Encouragement:...Reverend Carlus Hamilton (Brother) Pastoral Prayer...Reverend Michael Hill Prayer for Family...Judith Brenda Hamilton (cousin) Missionary Gloria Fairweather (JA) (friend) Recessional Hymn...Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine Interment May, 12th, 2018 Stewart Field District, St Thomas-Jamaica, WI

7 One would say the definition of uncle would be as stated, the brother of your father or mother; someone special to remember with warmth, think of with pride, and last but not least cherish with love. Uncle Toney was this exact definition and so much more. He was a father, brother, lover, uncle, and provider. Most of all he was my uncle Scar. One would ask how he got that nickname, as uncle Scar had many nicknames by plenty of family and friends. When I was a child I loved the movie The Lion King very much I always associated my father with Mufasa and Uncle Toney with Uncle Scar. Even though I could not grasp the concept that Scar was the villain in this time frame Uncle Toney never denounced the nickname and always responded to it when I called him by that name; He always smiled and responded to his nickname with honor. The most important lesson he taught me was the importance of family and the love of your siblings. Uncle Toney was the third child in Euphemia Hamilton s dynasty and my father is the second child. My father and Uncle Scar were inseparable from the moment of birth the two were always together. Dad and Uncle Toney would always say that grandma always would say that my father was going to kill his brother. The two were young dangerous men, who loved nothing more than going on adventures together. Wherever my father went, Uncle Toney was always by his side. The two were not only siblings, they were best friends. My father was his brother keeper and Uncle Toney was his brother s keeper. The two spent endless time with each other, hunting, fishing, trips back home to Jamaica. I always enjoyed their stories about their boyhood and how my father would stop, to call Uncle Toney so he could finish the story. Each story had our family in stiches. These are the moments I will miss the most. Hearing about their boyhood and how much adventures the two had with one another. These stories will forever keep Uncle Toney alive for generations to come. We will tell our children and they will tell their children s, children. His body may not be here with us but his spirit and memory will. It is the memories that keep Uncle Toney alive. Before I finish my tribute I d like share this quote with my Aunt Salma and cousins, Merci, Aston, Tasha, and Sean. When the snow falls and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. We must protect one another, love one another, and keep close to one another as Uncle Toney would want us to. We must survive this terrible storm without him, and continue to live in harmony.

8 We sincerely thank you for your prayers, calls, visits and well wishes. We have been reminded of the many lives our beloved Toney has touched. We hold your kindness close to our hearts as we go through our time of grief. Please continue to pray for us. Eternity Funeral Services, LLC Karrie O. Harvey-Edwards CEO / Licensed Manager 725 East Gun Hill Road Bronx, NY ph (718) fax (718) efsnys@gmail.com