The funeral for music industry insider/philanthropist Vonnie McGowan-Arscott will be held at Pentecostal Tabernacle in Miami Gardens, on September 17.

Interment will be in Forest Lawn South in Davie, Florida.

Her widower, Paul Arscott, said the 62-year-old had not been in good health for some time.

“Vonnie had been ailing for the past five years. She had a brain aneurysm and doctors had given her a five per cent chance to live; she did about five to six surgeries. Her memory was the same and doctors were impressed with her progress. However, three years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer in the bone and she began to deteriorate as it spread to her lungs,” said Arscott.

He said his wife of 25 years died at Memorial Regional Hospital in Florida last Thursday.

Arscott remembers her as a dedicated and charitable person.

“She was involved in several fund-raisers. I remember two Jamaicans wanted life-saving surgeries in the US; she organised events and raised the money so they could get it done. Today, they are alive and well,” he said.

Born is Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, McGowan-Arscott migrated to the United States in her 20s. She worked for many years on radio in New York City and Florida, and was once publicist for singer, Sanchez.

She also promoted reggae shows in New York City and South Florida, including the popular Nostalgia In Gold.

In October 2011, she was awarded an Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government for dedicated service to the country and Jamaican community in the US.

She is also survived by three children and five grandchildren.

— Brian Bonitto