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Jeremiah Durham

1/20/2014

11 Comments

 
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Obituary • Eulogy • Photos • Condolences
JEREMIAH DURHAM (85), better known as 'Brother Jerry' of Quarry, Kingstown, formerly of Richmond Hill, died on Monday 20th January, 2014. The funeral ceremony was held on Saturday 25th January at the Kingstown Church of Christ meeting place. Viewing was at the building from 2:30PM. The service began at 3:30PM followed by burial at Kingstown Cemetery. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Eulogy of Jeremiah Durham

by Orde Ballantyne
Many persons consider greatness in a person by his/her deeds; one tends to measure it by one’s contribution to life, through politics. sports, industry, medicine, war, etc.  But according to one of the characters in the ‘Doctor Who' television show,  “Great men are forged in fire”.  I add that how you respond to that heat would determine your worth in life. One such person who was fashioned by fire was Jeremiah Durham.  Born on the 9th May 1928 from the union of Rosaline Durham and (fathers name) at Richmond Hill, he had 3 brothers and 4 sisters and spent 85 years exercising his right as a citizen of earth to exist. In the 1930s, primary education was a luxury for the poor, so Jerry’s early stage of formal education was not meticulous and sequenced but the bits and pieces that came his way were absorbed and put to good use.

Career
While still young, Jerry was unofficially adopted by the Mrs. Theotilda Browne, where he was taught that hard work was the key to success. Without formal training and still relatively young, Jeremiah landed a job at the Arrowroot Association Factory (recognised as Pool) in Kingstown. This required brute force and with his small demeanour Jerry quickly learnt the ropes and developed strong shoulder and leg strength. During one of the routine operations his right foot became caught between a machine and a crate; this was in the 1940s where medicine was not that developed. [After] battling with this leg injury for many years, Dr. Cyrus said that the only way to save his life was to amputate, Jerry’s first test in the fire of life. Initially Jerry must have been depressed. You see in those days handicapped people begged for a living because hardly anyone would hire such a person. But Jerry was a man of a different mettle and soon mastered the ambulatory skills, the use of crutches and moving on one leg.

After many years at the Arrowroot Pool, he reverted to his skills with the cutlass and joined road gangs trimming the [sides of] roads. This turned out to be a career choice and his employment with the Public Works lasted until his retirement in 1988. Still having all his faculties and energies, and not satisfied with remaining at home, Jerry was reemployed by the Kingstown Town Board as a manager of the upper Kingstown Rest Room Facility until 1994 when he formerly retired from government. His stint with the Kingstown Town Board was so effective that he was returned on contract until they hired a permanent staff.

During the period 1988-1998, work was not that demanding so Jerry purchased a freezer and began supplementing his income by selling drinks.

After his retirement he obtained a small meagre pension from NIS and later was offered Public Assistance.

Housing
Another challenge faced by Jeremiah was his living quarters. Evidently one cannot afford to pay a mortgage or rent on a road gang or arrowroot pool salary. [So] his adopted mother, Mrs. Browne, and family continued to house Jerry during this time. This family remained Jerry’s angelic matron up to his death. Firstly Jerry assisted in their shop and on their boat. They took him to Trinidad where he learnt to be independent - cooking, washing, baking and keeping house. In 1977 their family house caught fire and they were forced to relocate. It was not possible for Jerry to be accommodated then so they found suitable premises for him at the Greens. Jerry was not very comfortable there so, with the Browne's permission, he returned to the burnt property in Quarry, refurbished one of the houses left standing, and made it his home. This place had no bathroom facilities, a leaking roof, and the running water was outside. [But] for more than 40 years Jerry went through this fire of lack and did not complain. Many proposals were made to better accommodate Jerry during this period but clearly they were just promises and Jerry remained unmoved.
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Brethren, family, relatives and friends gather to bid farewell to 'Jerry'
Social Life
Once you lived in Richmond Hill in those days, you had to learn to swim. [So] even when Jerry became an amputee, he was still more prolific in the water than many able bodied men. It is reported that all you would hear on the wharf would be, 'PLOP, PLOP, PLOP', the sound of someone hopping and then, 'SPLASH!' At the onset you were concerned, but when you saw his dexterity in the water your fears were allayed.

Jerry was never one for much social commentary but he conveyed his message and was always pleasant with his neighbours and shared his garden supplies with all. Many of these neighbours who would pass others like examinations would always say "Hi" to Jerry even though many times he would not respond, you see it became habit. Whenever he was outside on his bench, or next to my fence, he would exchange cordialities.

Late in his adult life, while still at Mrs. Browne, Jerry had a relationship with Leonete Dennie and they produced one offspring, Steve. This is a story that neither father nor son wanted to speak much about; it would be left so.

Carl Patrick (alias Perkins) was the only person that I recall who would purposely visit with Jerry just to 'old talk' and this friendship continued up to his death

Miss Eta Williams is just another matter. She met Jerry while working with Mrs. Browne and after Jerry’s retirement she advised Jerry to let Miss Eta take care of him, “she not like the young girls who would rob yo' blind, she would take good care of you.” [This] Miss Eta did for more than 30 years; travelling to and from Owia weekly just to take care of Jerry. There are not many Etas that remain in this life, so I hope that her care is reciprocated now. Stand and take a bow Miss Eta.

Jerry was independent in mind, spirit and body; if he could perform a function he would not ask for assistance, whether it was walking to and from hospital or to and from church. [He] did his own errands. It was only later on in life when his good leg was worn and battered that he begged a favour, imposed on others and always humbly. We would contribute to his upkeep regularly and take him wherever he wanted to go, but he would never ask us to buy his gas or anything else.

Jerry lived good with all of his neighbours except 'Red Ant'. He always wanted from Jerry, and whenever Jerry wanted something in return he went into hibernation.

Whenever we travelled, [Jerry] was our security. I recall that during one of these vacations that one of my brothers entered the house without Jerry’s permission and Jerry hallowed out, “Ah done call the police so yo better get out!” Jerry never had a phone in his life. Jerry also provided safekeeping for our children; he held our house keys, so in the event our children were home before us he ensured their safety. Actually, he would walk our daughter home from NAPA.

Jerry was a cricket fan and always had his radio tuned to NBC, but he hardly spoke about that. [Perhaps] the dismal showing of the West Indies numbed his senses.
Religion
While as a young man with his new family the Browne’s, he [was] an Anglican by association. But on one occasion while they were on one of their trips in Trinidad, Jeremiah became a member of the Church of Christ and was faithful [in attendance] up to November 2013. Brother Richards vividly recalls that one time there was a street meeting at Rockies, and when he drove to the location, who he met seated under the tent? [Faithful] Jerry, who had walked all the way. Despite his handicap, Jerry was a faithful member doing whatever he could to promote the body. Leaders of this body have opined that they wish that many of their members were as faithful and hardworking.

Health
It was only in the last 15 years of Jerry’s life that he was challenged by ill health. He had a cataract that was cut by one of our health care providers, but the after care and support were not proper and he lost sight in the eye. Other than that, it was only arthritis in the knee and other minor aches and pains. Whenever he went to the hospital, he was quick to get home to his accustomed environment.

Early in 2013 he suffered from a stroke, but even that did not slow him down; if he had better use of his lone leg, he would have still been with us. But these two immobilised him and quickened his demise. Jerry’s only known son, Steve, has been Jerry’s right hand for these last couple years. This speaks to the issue of honouring our parents. [Despite] his demanding job, he gave to his father up to his death.

Friends, Jeremiah Durham was tested by the fires of inadequate education, a lost leg, poor housing, limited finance, trodden on them for 85 years until they became his normal route; he used life circumstances and conditions, never complained  and overcame; isn’t that the life of a great man?


11 Comments
Jeana
1/23/2014 12:30:15 pm

Jamali and I had the pleasure of sitting next to brother Jerry for most of the last few months he was able to attend church services. We will miss him dearly. Condolences to his loved ones.

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Joel H. Jack link
1/23/2014 01:15:37 pm

I thank God for the opportunity to have known brother Jerry for many years. He often amazed me with his determination to attend worship and even attend sessions at other congregations in spite of his physical handicap. I will miss him and miss driving him home as I have done for years.

Was great to visit with his adopted mom and to learn more of his life.

Bye brother Jerry, in many respects you have been a good example. Sleep on!

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Louise
1/24/2014 03:44:23 am

When I was added to the LORD CHURCH, I got to know brother Jerry, as seen in this photo, he always had a pleasent look on his face. He was always early for Worship with determination to serve the LORD althrough he was handicap, and that has been an inspiration to me, I thank God for the life he lived.
My prayer is that his immediate family will take stock and pattern their lives after him to live for the LORD.
It's the best life to live.
God Bless.

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Janelle
1/24/2014 09:44:35 am

I remember us (Jerry and I) having a laugh when I would often rub the shining bald spot on his head. He was a pleasant and contented man, in spite of his condition. He was always ready to tell me about his son and how he was doing. He encouraged me by his faithfulness and willingness to attend worship and other activities of the church. To live is Christ, to die is gain. Gone but not forgotten.

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lucy fraser, denzil fraser, cameille may, naddia constantine
1/25/2014 03:14:55 am

To the family of the late bro Jeremiah Durham, we the fraser family bro and sis lucy n denzil fraser we like to send our deepest symapthy to the family of our dear beloved brother( jerry). We will miss him. But Gods loves him best.

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Shevornne
1/25/2014 04:10:13 am

Bro. Jerry we know that you are truly at rest. I hope to carry on your legacy by striving to truly attend worship and other sessions early and faithfully. To your loved ones our sincerest condolences and sympathy.

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Jehann
1/25/2014 05:31:35 am

Like many, I have always admired Bro. Jerry's faithful example of service to God by his attendance and encouragement. He was also so gentle and humble. I thank God that our paths crossed and we became members of the body of Christ. I pray that his family would find comfort at this time.

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luke mandeville
1/25/2014 06:05:56 am

Bro.Jerry was a well appreciated brother. He always had a smile on his face. It always brought comfort to me. Since i was baptized brother Jerry always gave me the encouragement and i thank him for that.

May he rest in peace

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Jamali link
1/26/2014 02:52:00 pm

To the family and friends of my dear departed brother in Christ: My deepest condolences as you adjust to the void created by Jerry's transition from this life into eternity. Be assured, the comfort you too can find in Christ affords a peace that passeth all understanding, especially in times like these.

Take solace in the multitude of memories that Jerry has left us with. His was a living lesson in humility, contentment and appreciation. Mr. Ballantyne so eloquently chronicled Jerry's trial by fire that proved the metal of the man.

Jerry will remain in our memories as a constant reminder that though one may seem (to others) as being deficient in some area, it is always possible, with God's help, to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and put their best foot forward. Jerry had no problem doing this with an accompanying warm smile.

My wife, Jeana, and I will miss him. Departed, but not forgotten.

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Michael A.T. Stewart link
1/27/2014 02:02:15 am

I do not know the brother but the out pouring of love by those who knew him gives me a pretty good idea of the mettle of a man he was. God bless you all.

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Nikieta
2/8/2014 04:37:01 am

I have known Bro. Jerry since I was a little girl growing up in the church. He was such an inspiration to me and to many. I am so happy that I got a chance to see him again last summer after not being able to for some time. And even though he was getting down in age and strength he still kept a smile on his face. When I would ask him how he's doing he would always say "I'm good little Mande ". He will forever be missed. My condolences to his family.

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