On Saturday, July 30, many well-wishers, friends, family, colleagues and the community filled the sanctuary of the Church of the Ascension in Mount Vernon, where they gathered on a sunny summer day to give thanks for the life of Jean N. Keizs. The service was led by Rev. Dr. Father Gideon Jebamani with the help of Rev. Dr. Laurel D Scott of Wakefield Grace United Methodist Church, Bronx.
The service opened with the reception of the body, the sentences and the cortege hymn “Great is your faithfulness” followed by the Collection. Scriptures were read by Amber Ewing (Psalm 21) and Jordyn Ewing (1 Corinthians 15).
A series of tributes brought to life the rich and lived life of Jean N. Keizs. Speaking first about the older generation of Jean’s family, Dr. Eileen Boxill, a cousin, remembered Jean as a member of her generation who grew up under the influence of parents and extended family who instilled a rich sense of values that included service to the community. In the hills of Albert Town, through her eldest cousin, Mrs. Min, we learned that Jean came to understand the importance of education. In Kingston where she lived with her parents, the eldest brother Hugh and aunt Phyllis these values were reinforced and instilled at home and at Ardenne and Excelsior high schools. When the opportunity arose, Jean went to Howard University, where she excelled in the classroom and learned strong and relevant lessons about community, as well as being schooled in the intellectual and cultural responsibilities of being black in America.
Jean was noted as a dedicated educator in the South Bronx, where she was part of a strong team committed to high academic achievement for students and also to the extended families they served. In his remarks, Karl Rodney, publisher of Carib News noted Jean’s transformative role in education that expanded to include the development of a GED program for newcomers immigrants from the Caribbean in partnership with other leaders and the Jamaica Progressive League. She was also a leader in helping students and their parents understand and negotiate the complexities of the NYC Board of Education so that incoming students would receive fair recognition of their academic credentials and therefore fair placement in schools .
Homage from Mrs. Montrose Spencer and Mrs. Althea Serrant highlighted Jean’s the values of cooperation at work and friendship outside the workplace that cemented relationships that last a lifetime and involving multiple generations of families. Jean’s other gender, represented by Dr. Sonji Keizs Nicholas noted Aunt Jean’s active, engaged and non-intrusive role in their lives, as well as her participation in adventures until her last trip in March 2022, to Costa Rica. These lessons are guiding their lives and the lives of their children.
Speaking of Jean’s church family, Ms. Linda James noted her “can-do” spirit, her willingness to walk the walk, and her commitment to the Christian principles she practiced every day. Mrs. James also forwarded one message of condolence and eulogy from Bishop Andrew Dietsche of the Episcopal Diocese of NY, which noted Jean’s service at her church in Mount Vernon as an active jacket leader at the time of her death. Commendations and resolutions of thanks were also presented by Howard University President Wayne Frederick and the Howard University Alumni Club of Westchester and Rockland by Jacqueline Warner, Esq. and Tamika Coverdale, Esq.
Musical tribute from Jean’s granddaughter, Dr. Esiri Tasker Armstrong and Methodist Wakefield Grace United with assistance the voices of the Bethany Baptist Church choir enlivened the service throughout. jeans generosity, dedication and patience were the key characteristics noted in these speakers, as well as in Jean’s obituary read by grandson Howard Keizs and god-daughter, Cynji Lee.
Rev. Dr. Laurel E. Scott delivered the sermon in which she noted that Jean, but has passed through the gates. Dr. Scott encouraged her family and friends to keep saying her name with love.
Referring to her visits with Jean while she was hospitalized and able to communicate,
Rev. Dr. Scott remembered reading the book scriptures, chanting the Blessed Assurance and giving communion to Jean. She noted that the promise of joy and peace awaits those who believe in Christ and those for whom God has prepared a room. Jean is among them, welcomed by angels in fulfillment of the promise of resurrection.
Father Jebaman completed the church service with communion and praise followed by a small procession of family and close friends to Ferncliff Cemetery for the comity. Forward Arriving at this final step, Jean was offered a farewell courtesy: she was escorted by Green Burh Police on the crossing and stopped at her home where neighbors and friends gathered to give a balloon salute to a woman who had been a friendly gardener. presence for so many years.
All who attended (and those who watched via Zoom) expressed appreciation for the life of Jean N. Keizs. These sentiments continued throughout the past, kindly organized by Church of the Ascension, chaired by Lorna Lewis, Senior
Warden and Jerry Tasker, Jean’s nephew. The church social hall was decorated in shades of green for Jean’s favorite color, accompanied by hydrangeas from her garden, the celebration was skillfully and lovingly assisted by so many of Jean’s church brothers and sisters. Everything
attendees gave thanks and testified to how Jean’s life impacted them through her service, compassion and generosity. And other members of Jean’s extended circle including her children, stepchildren, cousins, colleagues from the Bronx Community College/CUNY and others accompanied the memories provided by the slide show.
Two resolutions from Jamaica Progressive League (Sadie Campbell) and Sister to Sister International (Cheryl Brannan) were accepted by the family.
Jean Nesta Keizs, may peace and eternal light rest upon her. May her legacy live on in those she touched.
