07.10.2007
We want to celebrate the life, vitality, fun and energy of Hyacinth. In keeping with her philosophy on life, please post fun, happy, loving “Madge” memories that remind all whom read it of her spirit. Thank you so kindly.
We want to celebrate the life, vitality, fun and energy of Hyacinth. In keeping with her philosophy on life, please post fun, happy, loving “Madge” memories that remind all whom read it of her spirit. Thank you so kindly.
July 11th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Hyacinth was one great lady and friend! In early years, we spent a lot of time with our kids dancing and eating. I loved her Jamica dishes and would sometime invite myself over for whatever she had cooked. Boy, was it good!
It was with Hyacinth that I traveled to both Jamaica and New York. Those trips are most memorable as they were my first time to visit each. In Jamaica we danced, ate, drank coconut water and enjoyed times with her family and friends. I remember her on the dance floor for 2 solid hours at one place we had gone and how we laughed because we had gone into the place looking sharp and she came out completely drench with sweat.In New York I don’t remember seeing night as we were out in the early afternoon to shopping, dining, dancing and attending plays and returned in the early morning when the early morning sun was rising. At both cities, Hyacinth’s family and friends became mine, especially her sister, Pam and Mother and Dad. Also, her kids became mine especially Sharon, Carlene and Marjorie.
It was Hynacinth who taught me that “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. I will always remember Hyacinth as one graceful lady, who was full of life and vitality with a beautiful heart! Bobbie
July 11th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
My family and I would like o express our deepest sympathy to you and the family for the such a great loss. I am blessed to have met Madge and she will be truly missed.
My recollection of Madge was that she was so gentle, full of grace and a classy lady who enjoyed life!
Thank you for sharing her with my family, she was truly a blessing to all who came in contact with her.
Best regards, Georgia
July 11th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
My deepest sympathy and sincere prayers are sent to all the family. Mrs. Gayle (as I will always remember her as) was a true inspiration to me over the many years I have known her.
In my teenage years she was “I don’t care what the other kids are doing, but you will do what I say” kinda of mom. We all respected her and loved her energy and kindness.
In my adult years, I watched her being a loving wife and mother, and dotting grandmother. I was amazed at her vitality for life. She showed me that you can love the Lord and still live life to the fullest and still love, laugh, and Dance. I would often say “I want to be like you and your sister when I get to be your age”.
My family and I are blessed to have known her, and we love all of you.
May the Lord bless you and comfort you,
Much love
Beverly and Naikea Ward
July 12th, 2007 at 6:15 am
My fondest memories have got to be when Aunt Madge, Vernon (my dad) and Aunt Pam,and the rest of the gang all came along to Vernon’s (my brother) wedding in Jamaica, They were a riot, esp Aunt Madge, she certainly knew how to let her hair down!! we will miss you Aunt Madge, God bless you,
Angela and family (niece)
July 12th, 2007 at 7:17 am
I send my sincere condolences to you you grieve the loss of your dear mother. I had the pleasure of meeting your mother 20 years ago when a group of us went on a cruise. Over the years I enjoyed being in her presence on a couple of other occassions. She was truley full of life and enjoyed it to the fullest. She had a gracious spirit and I loved to watch her dance. May you find comfort in her memories.
July 12th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
In January Madge came to Florida to visit Pam(my soul sister) The girls were having a night out to celebrate Pam’s and my Birthday. Madge came along and I have this very fond memory of the fun we had that night,Partying, eating, laughing and
yes dancing. It will always be the way I remember her. Remember never stop dancing.
July 12th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I have the last picture of Madge in my mind as she was leaving my home in January 07 after a day of great food, jokes that she was telling and laughter from everyone around the table. That was the last time I would see her and cannot truly put into words how I am going to miss seeing and hearing from her.
My condolances to her girls, Carlene, Marjorie & Sharon, grandchildren David, Armand, Anissa, Anya and great-grandson Devonn.
July 12th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I have 2 fond memories. One when I went over to Marjorie’s house with my boyfriend at the time. Marjorie, Sharon and of course my “Jamaican Mom” Madge came to the door. It was funny and I laugh now because “Mom” had her hair in curlers and did not care…she wanted to hop right in since my natural mom couldn’t meet him and get the 411…to make sure all was a-okay. My beau said “is this your family?”
The other memory was the 60th birthday party for Madge…I don’t think I ever had so much fun and ate so much food!! It is STILL the benchmark of all parties! So many fun people and Sharon, Mark Mignot and I doing the double bump on stage!! “Mom” just danced the entire not away…it warmed my heart because she was so surprised to see me and really welcomed me as a part of her family. Fond memories of a great lady…she’s added to the happiness in my life.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:10 am
As a little girl growing up in Jamaica, I can remember how excited I was when I was told my uncle and his family (aunt Madge and my 3 cousins) were visiting the island from the United States. The first time I laid eyes on aunt Madge I was stricken by her beauty, her well kept physique and well put together appearance. I remembered asking myself, “how did my uncle (Lloyd Gayle) managed to charm such a beauty?”
The years followed, the United States became my residence. With each family visit and outing, the beauty of aunt Madge never ceased to amaze me. I even found myself trying to copy her hair style; you know that under bob that was her signature piece. I never could get it just right and it did not look the same on me.
I had not seen aunt Madge for a while and so my last memories of her consists of this raven beauty, who was always the life of the party, dancing the night away and just enjoying life.
Needless to say her passing is very difficult for me to accept. My heartfelt love, sympathy and condolence to her husband, my three cousins (Carlene, Marjorie and Sharon), and to the rest of family and friends who knew her.
July 13th, 2007 at 9:31 am
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I was truly saddened when I heard the news. I had the privledge of meeting Mrs. Gayle at a couple of occasions years ago. You could truly see how much a blessing she was and how much she had been blessed by the family God gave her. I will continue to prayer for God’s comfort at this time of sorrow for the entire family.
God Bless.
July 13th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
My aunt madge played a huge role in my growing up. I’d spent summers in California, and she’d spent time with me in New Jersey, and Florida. We can all agree she was a great person. The greatest measure of a person is to show the type of charm, and compassion that her own mother showed. Aunt Madge did well to follow in those footsteps. Noel, thank you for being a great husband to my aunt. Carlene, Marjorie, Sharon–God’s blessings. David, Armand–know that you had one of the best grandmothers in the world.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Memories Of Madge short life with me as my sister in law. she was so kind, sweet and soft spoken, willing to do what ever she could to make you happy, I will always remember her steps she took as she marched down the isles in Jamacia on April 23rd,2005 , on our Wedding Day, I love you Madge, may God Rest Your Soul. Amba,
July 13th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
On July 1, 2007 I lost my best friend surrogate mother/sister, so sudden and so unexpected.
The bond we had was rare and unusal despite the eight years difference in age and the fact that when she left Jamaica I was still a young girl. We were so alike in the things we eat, the clothes we wear and the way we loved to dance and enjoy life. I would be in California and everybody called me Madge, she would come to New York/New Jersey where I lived and friend and co-workers would call her Pam without realizing that “You are not Pam you must be her twin!”
I became my sister’s best friend when as a teenager living in Jamaica she was saddled with the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. Madge the oldest, Eric (since deceased) Vernon and Pamela (everybody else called me Pam but my sister called me Pamela with a certain diction no one else has been able to duplicate.)
The reason I became Madge’s best friend is because she realized that I was her ticket to hang out with her friends and go to the local dance party every weekend. Our mother’s rule was, “Anywhere you are going, you have to take Pam!” I spent many weekends drinking all the soda my little body could obsorb while I sat (or slept) on the bench of the local hangouts and watched my sister dance the night away with her special group of buddies, Daphne, Bernella, Babs, Dulcie, Leslie, Barry, Mitzie and Dellie. I was so happy hanging out with my big sister and her friends, I felt really special, and of course I always got whatever I could bribe out of her because, I was not to tell mom where we went our she would be in BIG TROUBLE……..(to be continued.)
July 14th, 2007 at 3:31 am
My sincere condolences to the Gayle family. Madge was a dear family friend, and it was an honor to know Madge. I remember the days before her move to California, basement party fun that all my parents’ friends would enjoy till the early mornings. Family trip to Jamaica, with our families enjoying THE FAMOUS TURTLE TOWERS :). She will truly be missed. To Pam, Marjorie, Carlene and Sharon, may God provide comfort, through this difficult time. My prayers are with you all.
July 14th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Hyacinth Gayle-Smith was a real “lady,” a mother, wife and friend of excellent character and Christian love. As I knew her, she was a true friend and a “real” person. She demonstrated that God had made her to love life and to enjoy Him forever. Her absence always created a great loss. We will miss the Lady, but always love her.
Rev. Thomas McPhatter, (friend, pastor and brother in Christ)
July 15th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
picture of aunt madge, sharon, vernon, wife amba, and noel at cheryl and my wedding. 2005.
http://ayat108.com/pics/madge.jpg
July 15th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
My fondest memories of my sister Madge, are things we did in Jamacia, growing up as my sister Pam have mentioned,is having fun , but most of all, {Dancing the night away} I do mean Away, not leaving the dance floor until we were all ready to go home. My sister was truly a Mom& best friend to us, not because she was the oldest, But maybe the smartest,she always had a Postive answer for any solution. I remember when we visted herin California,she took us to Mexico, Her first stop was at the Lobster Resturant, her favorite Dish as you know was {Lobster} she ate. I remember most of all, was when she went to USA and i went to England,and i would call her in the early morning hours like 3or 4am and she never complained, she always had a listen ear, That was my sister, Madge, always there for everyone, that’s why she will be missed very very much, Iloved her dearly as a sister and friend. God Rest Her Soul. Brother Vernon
July 15th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
I only know Mrs. Gayle thru my friendship and sisterhood with her daughter Sharon, whom I have known since our days at USC. This past year, Sharon and I, along with 8 other friends, traveled to Kenya. During the trip Sharon often spoke about how her Mom would love to do a similar trip. We talked about what such a trip might look like and laughed often about how she would experince the flora, fauna, and culture of Africa. I am truly sorry that I will not get a chance to share that trip with Mrs. Gayle. I cherish my friendship with Sharon and thank Mrs. Gayle for raising such a wonderful woman and for sharing her with us. I love you Sharon!
July 17th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Hyacinth is already missed. Her commitment to life at its fullest was so remarkable. She was at once beautiful, thoughtful, helpful, and supportive of others. I first met Hyacinth as part of a group traveling to Southern Africa with members of Christian Fellowship Congregational Church of San Diego, United Church of Christ. She expressed great interest and curiosity in every aspect of the peoples and cultures she would encounter. Later, as her pastor, I was fortunate to get to know her loving and caring spirit; her youthful nature and undying desire to explore the wonders of life. At this time of her demise, my heart goes out to Noel Smith, her husband, and to her children, grandchildren, family and host of friends. While Heaven has received a true angel, her community has lost a dear friend and sister.
July 18th, 2007 at 8:19 am
sharron
you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers–your mom was a wonderful spirit and will continue that with her lord
blessings to you
cindy
July 18th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
To the family of Hyacinth Gayle-Smith:
Good friends are such a comfort, that is why we are grateful for having Hyacinth (Madge) as a good friend. We held her in great esteem and affection and we shall miss her tremendously.
The Rookwood Family
We thank God for the life of Hyacinth, she was one of my dearest friends (BFF) for over fifty years. She loved her family and friends and was in my bridal party and is the Godmother of my eldest daugther Beverley. Hyacinth was a loving dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister with a great sense of humor and wit, occasionally we would talk on the phone for hours discussing our lives and children and politics I am surely going to miss such conversations. She exercises a lot, loves dancing and to live a healthy lifestyle. After Noel came into her life she had a different outlook on her futue and made the most of every day she was alive, she loved God and her church family. To Noel, Carlene, Marjorie, Sharon and other family members we care and hope you will feel better knowing she lived her life to the fullest.
Remember life is short, each breath is a gift from God and Hyacinth is now with God…
From Leslie and Daphne our prayers are with you…God Bless.
July 18th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Cousin madge you taught me that love has no boundaries. Thanks for the wonderful times we have spent together. You Will Surly be missed. My Condonlences To Noel And the family.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
My last memory of Aunt Madge was Jan of 2007 when she visited us in Lehigh Acres ,Fl. We were all together at the Reids having a feast of Jamaican food, laughing and talking. Whenever she was in town everyone would find time to be with her. I for one loved to listen to her jokes especially the ones she told about her youth in Jamaica. She was so graceful and always seemed to be gliding along life’s path. I admired her faith in God and love for family ,friends and fun. I loved to watch her drop legs- so intent on her movements, she was as they say back home “mi likle but mi tallawa” Small in frame but fierce in spirit. She will be greatly missed by all of us; I know I will miss her visits and her festival with ackee and salt fish. Life has thrown us a lemon, lets make lemonade and celebrate the life of a phenomenal woman who touched our lives with laughter, fun and good food in such wonderful and gracious ways.
My sincere condolences to the Angel , Gayle and Smith family.
July 18th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
We first met Hyacinth, Marjorie (and Anica) and Sharon in Jamaica at the Jamaica Grande in 1995 while we were looking at a wedding on the beach. We started talking then we sometimes had dinner together. We danced together at theme parties, toga night and in the disco. We exchanged phone #s and addresses and started communicating later on moving on the e-mail.
Though we did not see Hyacinth much, she was a lovely, classy, fun-loving woman. She was a proud mother and grand-mother. We met for lunch in San Diego and we were introduced to Noel. She took us to her home and took us for a long drive as if we were heading to Arizona. We enjoyed our time with her tremendously.
Another time, we were visiting Palm Springs and she offered to drive up to visit us but, after I said that we were going on to L.A. for a few days, she said she would come to meet us there. Unfortunately, she had to return to San Diego before we got there but she insisted that Marjorie (and kids) and Sharon take us out. We were really amazed by their kindness.
We are honoured to have known such a great lady and I hope she meets my other friend who was also an Angel (she passed on last November). They would make a great team.
God’s Blessings to Noel, Marjorie (and kids), Sharon and all the family.
July 19th, 2007 at 11:03 am
I met then Mrs. Gayle through her daughter Marjorie as we attended Grossmont Junior College together.
Mrs. Gayle had such a loving and out-going personality.
Through the years I would send her birthday and Christmas cards. Her response was always kind and a joy to read.
Although I had not seen her for a number of years, I will miss sending and receiving correspondance from her.
To the family, I want to say thank God for the gift of memories. Each one of you has a multitude of memories, times of laughter and the reality of her deep love for you.
I want to share this scripture with you found in 1 Thes. 4:13-14, which says “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethern, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
Family, he will turn your mourning into joy, will comfort you and make you rejoice from sorrow, Jer. 31:13(b).
So Mrs. Gayle-Smith is sleep, she has finished her course and run her race. She will hear the master say “Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.” What wonderful words every beleiver in Christ longs to hear!
We will miss her, yes, but one day we can be reunited again in eternity if we confess with our mouth; “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, then we too will be saved and will see her, others gone before her, Jesus and father God for eternity, never to be separated again. Romans 10:9-10.
Thank you family for the web site and the opportunity to contribute.
His love and mine,
Pat Roach
July 19th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
When I hear an upbeat song, I can just imagine you dancing your way through the pearly gates of heaven. This is the Madge I know and love. My vibrant “sister”, full of vitality and zest, and always ready to P-A-R-T-Y!! Then there is the other side of Madge, who was giving and loving, providing strength and guidance to her immediate and extended family and friends. Madge always made herself available to advise and support others as need presented itself.
Our friendship goes way back to when our kids were toddlers, and memorable moments are too numerous to describe, but I will say that I really enjoyed our daily after work “tele-chats” with all of the news of the day.
I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Noel, Sharon, Marjorie, Carlene, grandsons, brothers and sister, and all family members.
Yes, I’ll miss you Madge, but I know that you are in a better place now with our heavenly father, and I also know that you are up there P-A-R-T-Y-I-N-G!!!
July 19th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
I’ll miss Aunt Madge. I know that I haven’t communicated with my Aunt as often as I would’ve liked in my adult years, but her passing brings memories of a beautiful woman with the Jamaican accent.
As a young child, Aunt Madge’s accent intrigued me so much that I loved listening to her talk about anything and everything. Aunt Madge became a second mom to me, and she was very much an integral part of my childhood. Aunt Madge helped me develop into the person I am today. I remember Aunt Madge loving me like her own child, advising me during my time of indecision, comforting me when I was in emotional pain, and scolding me when I did wrong.
Aunt Madge truly loved her carribean culture, and I am very fortunate to have had her share it with me. I especially enjoyed the many picnics at the beach (mmmmmm,those carribean dishes!!), our frequent trips to Tijuana, and our trip to Jamaica to the Summer Jam Festival.
I’ll truly miss you Aunt Madge, but I have my memories of you, and they’ll be with me always.
July 19th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Aunt Madge has been a big part of my family lives for over 45 years. I remember, as a child, spending our summer vacations with the Gayle family in San Diego. We always had a wonderful time at the beach, Zoo, and the Wild Animal park. But the best memories were eating Aunt Madge’s Jamaican food and listening to Uncle Lloyd’s funny Jamaican accent! Aunt Madge has always been there for me! At my wedding in 1984, she was there. While I was station in Netherlands, Holland, she visited me there. When I got promoted to CMSgt in the Air Force, she was the life of the party. And when I retired from the Air Force in 2005, well, she was at my ceremony.But the best memory I have of Aunt Madge was last year when she attended my Mom’s 70th birthday party. She started the Soul Train dance-line on the dance floor and danced the night away! Aunt Madge was a special person who will be truely missed. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Noel, Sharon, Marjorie, Carlene, and all family members. Our prays go out to the entire family! Aunt Madge, thanks for the happy memories! May God Bless you…
July 19th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Aunt Madge was truly the only aunt I have ever known. She was wise, kind, up on current events, passionate for life, great fun to be around, a wonderful dancer and someone I have always admired. She was always supportive of me and encouraged and inspired me along the way. Her laugh was contagious – she would light up a room when she entered it.
I will fondly remember and treasure her presence at so many of my family events and special celebrations. I can not imagine future celebrations with out her. She could dance the night away! She was a fantastic story teller and her laughter was delightful. I can remember a time when Aunt Madge, Uncle Lloyd, Mom and Dad would stay up until the wee hours in the morning reminiscing about the “good ‘ole days”. The West Indian accents would become so thick, we would need Marjorie to interpret for us kids!
My life is richer for having known her. She is missed so much. I am comforted in knowing that she is with the good Lord in Heaven…..and with my Dad. Kiss my Dad for me Aunt Madge!
My deepest sympathy goes out to Sharon, Marjorie and the rest of the family. I pray that it helps to know that caring thoughts are near. May you find comfort in the special memories of Aunt Madge today and always.
Party on Aunt Madge!
Love, Jenny
July 19th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
46 years of the most memorable years of my best friend Madge. We called each other “play sister”. She was closer to me and my four children, than my own biological sisters. I loved her so much. She was sincere, considerate, understanding, very kind and full of life. We shared so many good times together…parties, vacations in Canada, Jamaica, and numerous cook-outs…Madge especially loved when I cooked Oxtails. The family would have such fun watching her enjoying the bones! She was so funny!!
I am going to miss our hour long telephone conversations that we had at least once a month. This was something we both looked forward to. We both laughed a lot …especially when we realized we had been repeating ourselves. (we blamed that on being old!)
I miss her and can not believe she is gone. It seems like a dream……….I look forward to re-uniting with you Madge in heaven!….save a place for me.
To Noel, Marjorie, Sharon, Carlene and all the family, words may fall short of expressing comfort to you, but I continue to keep you in my prayers. I pray that you will trust in God to give you peace.
With love and sincere sympathy, Aunt Lil
July 20th, 2007 at 12:53 am
Yea, through I walk through the valley of the shadow of dealth, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, Psalm 23:4
To the Family of Hyacintha Gayle-Smith,
you have our prayers and condolences on the passing of your love one. She was a wonderful person who enjoyed life and loved her family and friends.
Her shinning light of life will forever be missed by all.
You have our blessings!
Love,
Edward and Virginia Ward
July 20th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Sincere condolences to the family of Hyacinth Gayle-Smith.
Cynthia and I were befriended by Hyacinth and her family shortly after our arrival in San Diego in 1976. There are fond memories of many family gatherings including attending church, backyard barbecues, New Year’s Eve Bashes,(we have the photos),and especially the Caribbean parties where there were plenty of dancing, food and beautiful people.
Most of our friends in San Diego were directly and indirectly thru Hyacinth and her family. We enjoyed their caring, love, and friendship.
The marriage of Hyacinth and Noel Smith was precious and loving. All of their friens and families wre enriched by their union. Noel, Carlene, Marjorie, and Sharon, you will always be loved and welcomed by us.
Hyacinth, we miss you and love you very much. We know that you are now in heaven and resting in peace.
Larry and Cynthia Porter
Charlotte, NC
July 20th, 2007 at 9:48 am
My annual visits to San Diego were highlighted by Hyacinth, her children and family. I looked forward to attending Christian Fellowship Congreational Church, UCC and visting with Hyacinth and her wonderful friends after church services.
I have many wonderful memories of all the family gatherings with my daughter and son-law (Cynthia Barrett-Porter and Larry Porter)and Hyacinth and her family and friends. Hyacinth, you was my excellent dancing partner, thanks for all the wonderful and loving memories. You were always blessed.
Phil Barrett
Montreal, Quebec canada
July 20th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I remember my first day meeting Miss Hyacinth. It was shortly after I came to the states from Jamaica in the summer of 85. She came to my to pick up my brother, my sister and myself to take us to church. When I met Miss Hyacinth I remember thinking how beautiful she was. she was always nicely dressed and I amdmired that about her. She had a lovely spirit about her, and was always a joy to be around.
The last time that I saw her maybe 8 years ago before I moved to the Washington DC area, I had the pleasure of seeing her at a pool party where she still remained the constant beauty that I had met quite a few years before. Even then I thought to myself that I hope to look half as good as she did at her age.
You did not have to know Miss Hyacith for too long to know that she was one of the nicest, warmest person you will meet these days. I felt that way about her from my first time meeting her and know that not only did I feel that way about her, but my Mother(Agnes), brother(O’Neil), and my sister(Nicole) felt the same about her. Miss Hyacinth will surely be missed by all that had the opportunity to meet her.
July 20th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Aunt Madge is and will always be my Godmother. I will treasure all the happy times I shared with her. My fondest memory was when I visited with her in San Diego. I had never seen a plum tree before and every day I was outside trying to get fresh plums off the tree. The funniest thing was I was so scared of lizards but Aunt Madge would help me. I tried to bring back as many plums as I could back to New York. They were the best plums I had ever eaten. Whenever I had the opportunity to be with Aunt Madge is was filled with so much laughter, so much fun and party, party and party. My heart aches knowing I will no longer be able to be with her and have my children share the wonderful experience I had growing up with her. Noel, Carlene, Marjorie, Sharon and all extended family my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
July 20th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Aunt Madge, you helped to shape my idea of what family unity truly is. As my moms (sister) of 48 years, you and your children faithfully loved us.
You were a teacher to many! Not in a classroom setting, but a teacher of LIFE. You understood the depth of living each day to the fullest. You needed no object, person or tool to know that happiness comes from within and each moment is a blessing, not to be wasted.
As a nurse for more than 20 years, I see pain, bitterness and death daily. However, when I think of you I SMILE!!!!!! I think of your strength, integrity, joy, thankfulness, and love, just to name a few.
Now, as I reflect upon you, I think of the summer of 1974, at the age of twelve. You suffered silently and tolerated much, but you continued to shine. After Uncle Lloyd’s death you slowly found your way. You showed us all the true meaning of life through dance, laughter, good food and friendship. My heart hurts knowing I will see you no more, but on a brighter note, I will see you in Heaven. You will be missed.
Noel, Carlene, Marjorie, Sharon and all the grandkids remember the lessons she taught and KNOW how blessed we all have been for knowing and loving her. My thoughts and uplifting prayers are always with you. Love Juleen
July 21st, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I meet Hyacinth a few years ago at Sharon Gayle’s house and I thought to myself, wow this lady is special she was so full of energy, vibrant, and had charisma, dancing to the music and never having a loss for words. Her grace will be missed and I will charish the short time period I had to spend with her. My condolences to the Gayle-Smith families and friends.
July 22nd, 2007 at 1:57 pm
To Carlene, Marjorie, Sharon and other family members:
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. We lost contact with you all when we moved to Florida but we have always remembered your family in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget how Madge and Lloyd accepted us in their home for visits and treated us like family. We enjoyed so many good times together and Madge was such a sweet lady. Her sense of humor and enjoyment for life was contageous. She was a role model for us as a young jamaican couple in San Diego and her family became our family. We pray that you all will be strong and carry on her legacy of being happy, positive, kind and living life to the fullist.
Love always, Lloyd, Beverly and family.
July 24th, 2007 at 5:28 am
I was truly shocked and surprised at this sad news. Athough I was not in recent contact, she was always nice to me and friendly. I found her to be dignifed, loving and caring. Last time we met was at my son’s wedding, her nephew, in Jamaica in 2004.
This dedication is to the Bereaved Family.Thinking of them at this difficult time and wishing all the family Comfort and Peace.
God Bless
Barbara Angel
London.
July 24th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
We became acquainted with Hyacinth when we moved from New York to San Diego in 1979. That year, she invited us to have Christmas Dinner at her house with her family. At that gathering, we were impressed by how organized she was and how caring and attentive she was to everyone. Soon, we became good friends such that we considered our family as part of hers and her family as part of ours. We also became partners in a small part-time business venture until we all found it difficult to continue the business because of our commitment to our full-time jobs. However, we continued to be close friends and looked forward to taking part together in family gatherings and other special occasions.
Hyacinth had a wide circle of friends because she loved people. She was thoughtful, reliable and considerate. Her pleasant personality and positive disposition endeared her to her friends and relatives alike. Most of the people whom we have met since we came to California were through her. Her friends became our friends. She was a very special Lady; one of a kind individual who lived life to the fullest and made time out of her busy life to keep in touch with friends and relatives alike. Over the years we looked forward to talking with her frequently on the telephone,sometimes for more than an hour at a time. Her sound advice, valuable encouragement and viable suggestions were always beneficial to those around her.
Hyacinth was a good conversationist. She had a good sense of humor and was loyal to her church and those around her. She did not pretend. She was true to her belief. Her infectious laughter, many jokes and graceful dance moves made her the life of the party. We can remember how lively and sociable she was among a group of other friends at one of our Poolside Parties doing the Electric Slide. She was pleasant, enjoyable company, and we looked forward to visiting her home as well as she visiting our home where on each of these many occasions, good food, fun and laughter was always in abundance.
We will miss her greatly!
To her husband, Noel; children,Carlene, Marjorie and Sharon; and other members of the family, we want you to know that we share your loss, and we hope that you will find comfort in knowing that she is gone to a good place and that we shall all meet again some day. May you also be comforted by the many cherished memories that you have of her as she made her journey through life. Her life was well-lived and she was well-respected. We consider ourselves blessed to have known her.
May her soul rest in peace
July 26th, 2007 at 3:11 am
Knowing Hyacinth as a neighbor and fellow YMCA exercise class member has been such a pleasure. I could always count on her warm greeting, big smile, and positive conversation to give me a laugh & a lift. I know everyone in our class will miss her love & laughter. Our children were at Grossmont together and they join me in sending our condolences to her family. With love, Mimi from Kimi.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
We are sadden and sorry for the loss of Madge. We got to know her from attending Christian fellowship church, and right away she welcomed us and made us feel very much “at home.” It seem to have ended too soon. It is clear to us that she loved life and people - the picture with the Mango tree speaks volume to this. We greet and wish her immediate and extended family well. May her soul rest in peace.
Anthony, Pam and the kids.
July 27th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
On behalf of the Shim family, please accept our sincere condolences. It’s a shame we never got to know Madge like some of her friends, because we all scattered after leaving Jamaica, distance and time did not give us the privelege to socialise but it seems she has left good memories of times spent living life to it’s fullest. It is a comfort to know that she was a believer so we can know that she’s dancing with the Lord.Eileen Niebisch, N.J.
July 29th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
July 29th
Hyacinth’s passing has left us all in shock,but we know she was a Believer and she has gone to a better place.I first met the family when my family moved to San Carlos,then my children were small and Carleen Marjorie and Sharon would give a hand babysitting when I was in crisis for my helper had not shown. Lloyd would often visit us on Sunday mornings and spend hours talking Jamaican politics. Many were the times when I would sample Hyacinth’s Jamaican cooking, which was her next most enjoyable activity after dancing.Just before I moved away I introduced Hyacinth to my former place of worship”Christian Fellowship…where she became a devoted member,a choir member and brought other friends to worship there. A genuine person who loved others, we often visited by phone when we would have long converations. I had looked forward to her and Noel visiting in Georgia,,but God called her home. I think of her with fondness Maybe God wanted a good dancer among his angels.Sleep and take your rest Hyacinth. No words can ease the sorrow all your family feels but my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all.
(Verna Muthoni, Jonesboro,GA)
August 6th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I had the pleasure of 1st meeting Hyacinth in Feb. 2007. I started instructing her morning aerobics class on Mon & Fri mornings @ the YMCA.
Hyacinth was up front with me, ready to go with her sweat band on and her tiny lil legs to keep her going. She was the funnest to have at my side, singing aloud to the songs , snapping and dancing to the beat. At our water breaks she was the 1st to grab that drink & get back to it as quick as she could. And this is my fondest memory… I was trying to get everyone back into the grind & w/ all the chit chat going on Hyacinth would say to me w/ that jamaican flare of hers, “Aw C’mom girl, let’s get it going, they’ll make their way back when they see us going!” This made me laugh every time. She’d say “it’s not time for all that chatter, let’s go girl !”
All though the time I had getting to know Hyacinth was short in time the depth of her love and personality will for ever be left with me. It was an honor to be a part of her memorial services and to learn of all the beautiful memories her loved ones shared.
Hyacinth’s spark for life will always be in my heart and a part of the Davis YMCA classes she touched.
October 5th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
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March 8th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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