WHYTE, Avanel 'Joy' Adassa - On Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021, Avanel Adassa Whyte affectionately referred to by those closest to her as ‘Joy’ gained her wings and went to walk with the angels. She was 68 years old.
A wonderful person who will be remembered lovingly by her three children, Marie Williams-Dennis, Janice Williams, and Junior Williams: and her grandchildren Kiya, Zahna, Alliyyah, Makeda, Mekhi, Aaron, Jaylen, Sarah, Zoe, and great-granddaughter Nyla-Skye.
Born in Sheffield Westmorland, Jamaica to parents Kathleen Scott and Harold Whyte she spent her formative years attending Sheffield All Ages and Grange Hill High School.
In 1970, she relocated to Fletchers Land (Kingston) to reside with her Uncle George. It was in Kingston where she met Lopez Lloyd Williams, the father of her 3 beautiful children. Shortly after the birth of her youngest, Joy made the difficult decision to leave her children in hopes of a better life and migrated to Canada in 1978
Uncle George played a pivotal role by securing her a position with the Huston Family. It was not long after that, when Joy had to return to Jamaica following the unexpected passing of Lopez. Facing her new reality, Joy had to make the difficult choice of leaving her children once again with their grandparents Leigh and Estella Soley while she returned to work in Canada.
Realizing this opportunity and the challenges ahead, she enrolled in George Brown College where she completed her studies in Health Care. Joy worked tirelessly for 7 years to establish a home for her children and it was on that faithful day of July 7th, 1985 when they were reunited.
Joy was called to the church and became a member at Shiloh Church of God 7th Day under the leadership of Bishop A. C. O’Reggio. During her time at Shiloh, she was ordained a Missionary and later an Evangelist. During her time at Shiloh, she met and married Edward Lewis.
They were married for 14 years until 2015. Her passion for missionary work extended well beyond hospitals, to her broader community. Her love for her “Papa Jesus” was seen and heard everywhere she went - even in the grocery stores! This was often done, as her children (and in later years her grandchildren) looked on sheepishly. During her time at Shiloh, she took to visiting other churches to hear the word. She later became a member of Divine Favour Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Howard Brown. It was there, that she acquired the title, “Mother Joy”. While at Divine Favour she would often be called to pray or moderate a Service. Joy continued her work in the Lord until her hospitalization and untimely passing. She loved The Lord.
Anyone who knew Joy, can attest to her love for the Lord. She could always be heard singing, humming, or dancing to a hymn. If you asked her, how she was doing, you would ALWAYS be greeted with an “I’m blessed and highly favoured” … even when stricken with pain. Our family had a running joke with her about death… when asked about death, she would always respond with… “Me Nah dead, I will be caught up.” Our response would always be, an eye roll, a chuckle or an ‘Ok then’! I guess your headstone will say, I did not die, I was caught up.
Well Ms. Joy, here we are today. Your battle with sickle cell was a long and hard-fought battle. Through the years, we have watched you persevere with dignity and now God is welcoming you home to be with your parents, sisters Nelceta, Avril and brothers Derrick and Andy.
Avanel Adassa Joy Whyte is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, her beautiful great-granddaughter Nyla-Skye, her sisters Juliette Church, Birdie, Gwen, beloved Uncle George Barrett and her many nieces and nephews.
Heaven has an angel. Take your rest Ms. Joy.
Respecting the current situation and pandemic building restrictions, visitation and service for Avanel will be private.
Live stream will begin at 11:00am on Monday February 8, 2021. Please use the following link:
http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/10486.
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