Obituary of Ianthe Small

Ianthe Small was born in St. Mary, Jamaica on October 12, 1927 to Violet Hudson - Small and Uriah Small. She grew up in a loving household which she shared with two siblings, her brother, Oliver and sister, Belona who preceded her in death. Mummy, as she was affectionately called, was a gift from God to her entire family. She was a woman of great humility, with a warmth and tenderness that touched the soul. She showed by example the principle of "treating others, as you would like them to treat you". She demonstrated how to turn the other cheek when up against difficult people or circumstances. Mummy would say " fi-a peace and quiet life, mek them gwan ". While in Jamaica, Ianthe attended Mount Angus Baptist church and developed a deep spiritual foundation. She also worked at the University Hospital of the West Indies as a dietitian. In 1983, Ianthe would embark upon a life changing journey to the United States, to meet with her adult children, Sonia and Richard. From then on, "Mummy" was the glue that kept the family together. She exemplified the love of God by committing herself to a life of nurturing and caring for others. She was a caregiver to the elderly and less fortunate, while also providing daily support to her family. Whether a warm meal or a warm hug, Ianthe would sacrifice her own comfort for anyone in need. Ianthe loved her family dearly, and was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to many. She lived in the Co-op City section of the Bronx for over 20 years. After a long illness, on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, Ianthe entered the other side of eternity. She will be deeply missed by her two children: Sonia and Richard; seven grandchildren: Phillip, Matinde (and wife Jillian), Robert, Richie, Christopher, Leanna -Elyse and Kayley; four great-grandchildren: Dexter, Dante, Joshua and Nyante (Nya); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special thanks to her daughter-in-law Diana, who was so instrumental every step of the way in obtaining the proper care and going the extra mile with total commitment for our Mother. Our gratitude also goes to Cindy, a very attentive home attendant who helped to make her last days comfortable - Thank you!