Mavis May Anderson

Mavis May (Hamilton) Anderson, affectionately known as "Mama", "Aunt May", "Ms. Andy", or "Girlie", was born in St. Ann, Jamaica to the late Jasper Hamilton and Edna (Green) Hall on September 7th, 1922. She was raised by her grandmother Emma Clementson and moved to Kingston after her grandmother's death at age 16. It was while living in Kingston that she met the love of her life, Albert Silvera Anderson and they were married on January 9, 1955. Their union produced five children: Pauline, Pamela, Paul, Albert and Corene.

Mavis attended primary school in St. Mary, Jamaica before going on to technical school to learn dressmaking. She was famous for making outfits for herself and her children, along with beautiful sheets, curtains and other adornments for her home. Mavis' life's work was devoted to caring for her husband, children and grand-children. She had a passion for expressing her love through her cooking, and her five children's tastes in food were as unique as their personalities. Mavis would not hesitate to accommodate special requests, even if it meant cooking multiple dishes in a day. She was known for her cooking and received regular requests from family and friends for her Jamaican fruit cake, escoveitch fish, stew peas, pepperpot soup, fried chicken and rice and peas.

Mavis attended Our Lady of the Angels Church and Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Kingston, Jamaica and could always be found reading The Word in her favorite chair by the window. She loved the Lord, prayed fervently and always encouraged others to pray not only for their own families, but to intercede on the behalf of others. Some of her favorite sayings were "Thank you Lord for another day", "Put everything in the hands of the Lord", and "God is always at work."

Mavis was a kind and loving person whose love and joy was not only extended to family and friends, but even to strangers. Whenever she would go grocery shopping, the grocery baggers would vie to help her as they knew she was consistently a "great tipper". It was not uncommon for her to be found hosting meals at her home for her employees, and she would regularly entertain workers from her local grocery stores or markets. Mama was so giving that oftentimes she would make clothes for people in need, and she also loved to outfit people for their first day on the job. She was blessed with the gift of discernment and would be sought out by family and friends for sound advice.

Mavis enjoyed traveling with her husband and frequently visited her children and their families in the U.S. During her travels she loved shopping and would always return home bearing gifts for everyone. All her children and grandchildren could expect a phone call on their birthdays where she would serenade them with her special rendition of Happy Birthday.

Mavis spent most of her life in Kingston, Jamaica but migrated to Oviedo, FL in 2010 with Albert after he became ill, to be closer to family. She lovingly cared for him until his passing in March 2014. Her devotion to him throughout the years perfectly illustrated her love and commitment as a wife and partner.

Mavis died peacefully at home on October 8, 2018 after a brief illness. She will forever be remembered as a steadfast, loyal, and deeply loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed by all.

Mavis is survived by children Pauline (Clement) Humber, Pamela Nash, Paul Anderson, Albert (Karen) Anderson, Corene (David) Ferguson. Grandchildren: Richard Humber, Claudine Humber, Steven Nash, John Paul (Serina) Humber, Melissa (Maurice) Bucknor, Michelle (Steve) O'Toole, Ashleigh (Michael) McLaughlin, Courtney Anderson, Daniel (Amber) Ferguson, Justin Anderson, Kristin Ferguson and Megan Anderson. Great-grandchildren: Adani Humber, Jafar Curry, Cameron McLaughlin, John-Clement Humber & Zion Humber. Siblings: Eunice Henry, Clifford Hamilton, Lotlyn Hall, Verene Pierre-Louis, Joyce King & Hyacinth Jones. Brothers & sisters-in-law, countless nieces and nephews, special friends/assistants Michael Palmer, Suzette McIntosh, Hazel Foster and numerous other family and friends. She was predeceased by siblings: Teddy Hamilton, Jephta Hamilton, Charles Hamilton, Norris Hall, Gwen Dublin, Violet Hamilton, Kathleen Hamilton, Inez Wright, Zellrene Stone and Euphema McFarlane.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 311 E Broadway St, Oviedo, Florida 32765. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Boston Cemetery in Oviedo, Florida.