Reta Germain's Obituary
Reta Maud Germain nee Johnson, aged 92, affectionately called Mama Gen, Miss Gen, Sister Gen, Grandma, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2022, while having her breakfast at NSPIRE Health Care in Tamarac, Florida.
Born in St Ann, Jamaica to Adassa Nevins Wilson and Joseph Johnson, Reta attended the Eccleston Primary School while she lived with her grandparents Miriam and Joseph Nevins in McKenzie, St Ann. After leaving school, she honed her skills in dressmaking under the tutelage of Mrs Dorcas “Miss Darky” Patten. For some years, she lived with her mother in Kingston, Jamaica and attended the Franklin Town Church of God.
By God’s grace Reta married Harry James Germain on December 18, 1955 at the St Dacre Tabernacle church in St Ann. God blessed this union with seven children – Coleen Marcia, Wilroy ‘Dale’, Jacqueline, Conrad “Cliff’, Lourraine Harrylyn, Stockton Paul, and Odette Michelle who was born three months after the passing of her beloved Harry on September 4, 1969. She was instrumental in the raising of her bonus daughter Jean.
By God’s grace, Reta raised her children with the help of her loving sister Lucille Kidd and dear cousin Edith ‘Aunt Girlie’ Berry (both of blessed memory), her neighbors the Nevers’ and others in the proverbial ‘village’, as well as her extended family. She migrated to the United States and lived with her daughter Jacqueline and her family for almost 30 years. Reta leaves behind her sister Audrey “Aidie”, her children and their families, which include sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her mother, father, two brothers and grandson, Chadwick ‘Kurt’ Germain. Reta was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, friend and community member.
Arrangements are entrusted to Alexander-Levitt Funerals & Cremation, 8135 W. McNab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321 and to the Delapenha Funeral Home in St Ann, Jamaica, where her body will be laid to rest.
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