Winsome Beverley Samms-Paterson, customs broker died at the University Hospital (Tony Thwaites wing) on November 22, 2018.

The thanksgiving service for Winsome Samms-Paterson was held at the Church of St Margaret’s Liguanea, on Friday, December 14.

Officiating were the Rt Rev Robert Thompson (Bishop of Kingston), the Rev Franklyn Jackson who gave the sermon, Rev Melsrose Wiggan and the Rev Canon Peter Mullings.

Rev Jackson in his sermon said that man faces death everday but God provides us with the strength to deal with it. He said that man needs extra assurance from God during the times that we face death.

“In the scriptures we find hope and strength and the ability to go on.

“God sends his angels to bring you up and bring you comfort so there is no need to fear death,” he said

The rembrance was given by Margurite Samms-Lezama, the sister of Winsome Samms-Paterson, at the service:

Winsome Beverley Samms-Paterson was born on July 3rd 1943, the third of four children of Lorenzo and Ermine Samms. Like her name, so was her nature. Her name is derived from the old English word ‘wynn’, which means pleasure and delight. You are attractive or charming in an open and delightful way. And Winsome was a pleasure and delight to be around.

After completing her high school education (St Andrew High School and The Queen’s School) she attended CAST (now known as the University of Technology Jamaica). She started her working career at Barclays Bank and within a few years wanting new experiences, she moved to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, and worked for several years before returning to Jamaica to take over the family business of custom brokerage when our father’s health began failing. She continued in this profession until her untimely demise on November 22, 2018. Winsome gravitated towards this profession and did an excellent job, so much so that other custom brokers would call on her to clarify issues.

Winsome had many interests, namely, drama, theatre, travelling. She was involved in quite a few of the pantomime productions and was the voice of Ms Mum in the radio series Flora Lee. She also had a yearning for adventure, and went backpacking through England and Europe with our cousin Clover. She travelled down the Caribbean islands, through several of the USA states and covered every parish of her homeland Jamaica. And having done a great deal of travelling with her, I can tell you she was absolutely good company.

Winsome was family-minded, and her attitude to all children was the same. She was ‘Auntie’ to many and varied children. She loved them. She was defender and protector, and was known by variations of her name, Winnie, Winnie the Pooh, Winnie Mandela, Ms Bev, and so on.

Winsome was selfless. As children growing up in Mona Heights, our summers apart from summer camps, would be to trek across Mona campus to the University pool to swim. I was probably 11-12 when one afternoon I dived into the 14’9” of water and could not resurface. Winsome, true to form, dived in to bring me out. I am forever grateful for my sister.

Winsome met the love of her life Carlton Paterson in 1990, and in 1995 they got married. He brought into this relationship his own children, and there was genuine acceptance of Winsome towards his children

My brother Richard’s two children and my five have spent an equal amount of time between Jamaica and the USA. They have all attended school here. It was never a problem for them to be here, nor did she ever consider it a trial/nuisance. She embraced them and loved each one as her own, and this love was reciprocated. There are several amusing anecdotes about Aunt Winnie coming to their defence over school and other matters. Instead of going through anecdotes, I will read each child’s tribute.

DENISE:

Aunt Winsome, my dear Aunt Winsome. She cared for me at certain points in my life while I lived in Jamaica. She was kind, humourous and a lover of the arts. I remember her taking me often to the theatre, pantomime and rehearsals when she played in theatrical productions on stage. As a result, I have a fondness for drama, poetry, and prose. I knew she would always be there for me, and she was, even when separated by long distances. Luckily, I got her to use Skype. I am grateful for her life and the impact she has had on mine. I shall miss her. I love you, Aunt Winsome, rest in God’s loving care.

CAMERON:

My Aunt Winnie was a giant in my life. Truly one of the strongest teachers I’ve ever had. Thoroughly reinforcing the values of what is just and right. The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ — to do that correctly means that all the people in the said ‘village’ must all be on the same page so that to constantly keep and instill said ‘values’ with that child. My aunt was a pillar in my village. Friends of my parents and Aunt Winnie whom I respectfully refer to as aunts and uncles, were people of like-minded sense and character. The life lessons learned from her helped shape the moral compass that I abide and do my best to keep. Her examples of kindness and love are fierce and are without question. She treated every child equally. Demanded what was right and proper from them as she did from myself and my siblings. It’s funny how in youth you don’t see these things until you come into maturity down the road of life. And further to be fortunate enough that when you do see it to still have that loved one with you so you can truly express to them how grateful you are for them. And to always let them know you love them. My aunt was one of those. I thank God that I was able to tell her how I loved her and how much she meant to me. The example that she is undeniable and beyond reproach. Fortunate is too light a word to describe having her in my life. Her presence will be missed beyond description. Nevertheless she will always be a part of me and always in my heart.

EMILE:

Our son whom we lost five years ago; but I needed to tell, you that he called his Aunt Winsome at least three times a week just to tell her he loved her.

GARI:

Aunty Winsome, at first I was gonna send a card and write a message in it to say all the things I couldn’t say. Put it by your side so that you would hold it dear and near. But I’ve come to realise that I should be yelling to everyone what a loving aunt you were to me. I had fallen out of love with Jamaica for some time now. But you always called to see how I was doing, what I was doing, and would always be a good listener without judgement. You treated my family as your own and without hesitation adopted Alexi and Maya. Throughout my childhood you treated me as your son and I’ve loved you as my own mother. So many great memories to speak of and to appreciate, but one I still laugh at until this day. One Sunday morning my brothers, cousins and I were playing games when we should have been at church. Aunt Winnie comes into the room with the red paddle in her hand and starts off with ‘but wait’… A few seconds later we are all running out the house, church clothes in hand and wondering ‘how did Aunt Winnie get this time cause Aunt Winnie don’t play’. I bring up this memory because not only does it make me smile, but it also reminds me of my late brother Emile. I know now you are both in heaven looking down. Finally, I just want to say I’ve enjoyed you through my whole life and you will be missed terribly. You are one of a kind, someone that God cannot replace. I’m sorry we couldn’t have had more time, but know this, you helped mould what I am today. I love you. Rest in peace, Aunt Winsome.

CARLA-LELANI:

Today was supposed to be all ‘gum drops and cotton candy’, but I lost my Aunt Winsome this morning to a heart attack. She is my second mother and I love her and miss her so much. I am devastated you have no idea. I literally am having the most difficulty coming to terms with this. You were supposed to be at my grad school graduation. I lived with her my entire time in Jamaica and she loved me beyond words. I literally have lost a major part of me and I don’t know how to cope. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have had an aunt/mother like you. Tell Emile hello for me.

SHANNON:

My heart was broken this Thanksgiving. My second mother passed away this morning. Winnie I’ve been grateful for the care you’ve shown me. The advice and encouraging words you’ve given me. Thank you for loving me as your own. You’ve loved us all and we all loved you. RIP.

When Winsome got married to Carlton, and at the rehearsal we explained to the minister that the line about ‘giving away’ could not be part of the ceremony because we were not giving my sister away to anyone. That we were prepared to accept whomever she brought into the family. So I need to tell you that Carlton has been a wonderful husband and care provider for my sister He has also been a remarkable parental individual to my children. He shared her responsibilities. So thank you, Carl/Carlton for loving my sister.

Winsome was larger than life. She was always there, whether in the office or in front of the TV. She had a resounding laugh and always made time for family and friends. It was so difficult coming home and there was no Winnie. We need to cherish our loved ones. As a final note: In 1965 Winsome accepted the Lord as her personal saviour. Rest in Peace my sister.”