Obituary of Rema McNab

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

Rema passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 8:56 am in Palm Gardens Nursing Home after several years of illness. She was born March 3, 1927 to the late Ethelka Murdock and James Boothe in Oracabessa, St. Mary, Jamaica, West Indies.

At age ten, she went to Kingston for her formal education. She received a full scholarship to Merlgrove High School where she graduated with full honors. Her secretarial and book keeping studies landed her a job with an insurance firm immediately after graduation. It was there that she met her late husband and soul mate, Justin Lloyd McNab. Their marriage ended in 1971 with his sudden death.

Rema comes from many generations of Wesleyan Methodists whose faithfulness, dedication and service to the church was an integral part of their everyday lives. Rema was christened in the Methodist Church, confirmed at age 12, married in the church, and had remained true to the Methodist faith.

In 1975, Rema migrated to the United States where she resided in Brooklyn, New York. While holding a full time job, she continued to further her education and graduated as an LPN. She loved her new career of caring for the sick and elderly. In 1986, she moved to Teaneck, New Jersey but the demands of her nursing career and commuting to her job in New York City kept her from active participation in the church, however she remained true and faithful to God.

She retired in 1991 and became a full time member of Galilee United Methodist Church in Englewood, New Jersey. Her retirement years were spent fully committed to the church which included being a member of the United Methodist Women, member of the Alter Guild, participated in the feeding of the hungry program, and a volunteer caregiver to the sick and shut in allowing family members needed rest periods. She also served on the administrative board of Galilee United Methodist Church for over 6 years.

Rema eventually moved to Plantation, Florida in 2000 to be in a warmer climate. She continued her worship at the National Church of God but had to curtail her activities and attendance in the church due to failing health. She still looked forward to attending Sunday services in praise and thanksgiving to "God the Almighty" for bringing her through another week of aches and pains.

She was truly an outstanding lady and was always admired for her beautiful hats and outfits by her parishioners. Her appearance is a "celebration of life and the bountiful goodness and love of God." Her personal daily Bible study and prayers kept up the Methodist tradition. Her work in the church and her out pouring of love and friendliness is the embodiment of "Martha and Mary" of the Bible, women busy in the service of God while striving to live by the "living word."

Rema leaves to mourn, her daughter Marjorie Bailey, son-in-law Neville, granddaughter Michele Allen, great granddaughter Martinique Allen, nieces and nephews, the children of her only brother, who is also deceased, relatives and friends.