A Glimpse into the Life of Elorine Paddyfote

1945-2025

In Brighton, a small, fertile country village, nestled in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, April 15, 1945 dawned as a normal day but ended in momentous jubilation for parents Samuel Black and Rill Smith, as it became the day which would be chronicled in history marking the entrance of little Ms. Elorine Black into the world. This precious gift, brought not only joy in the lives of her parents, but for 80 years made a difference in the lives of her four siblings and anyone who was blessed enough to cross her path.

As a young child, her formative educational growth was nurtured in New Market Primary School and later at the Boy's Town High School in Kingston, Jamaica. Elorine loved reading and writing, but excelled in the culinary arts, farming, and household skills. She became a seamstress who took pride in wearing and outfitting others in the fine pieces of clothing she labored for hours to refine and perfect. Known for her delicious meals and unmatched hospitality, her home became the place for "good eats" not only for family reunions, but on any occasion when family got together or visitors simply stopped by. Her love for farming seasoned her pots with herbs, vegetables, callaloo, and any other plant that would make a pot "sweet."

As Elorine matured into a fine young lady she caught the eyes of Byron Archibald Paddyfote, who vowed before God on January 14, 1971 that he would love and cherish her, keeping his promise until her death on July 5, 2025. Their home was an inviting place, she had a knack for making people feel welcome and always

offered from her basket of garden "reapings." She was a surrogate mother to four children who often spoke of her warm care, loving touch and sympathetic heart.

To supplement her husband's income, she worked as a waitress and provided elderly care to seniors in the Miami area. The facilities and homes in which she ministered to the needs of the elderly speak glowingly of her compassionate, humane touch. Elorine was a faithful wife, kind and attentive, always nestled by her husband's side, poised in her modest dress and elegant hats, she brought a spring to his stride, the pep to his step, and was the alto tone when they blended their voices in praise to God. She loved to sing the old songs of the faith and many hummed along during their duet renditions in Sabbath School. This love for God was first experienced as a member of the Presbyterian Church and later as a member of the Spring Garden Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny, Jamaica. Upon her migration to the United States in 1994, she became a member of the Maranatha SDA Church in Miami, Florida. As a shining example of Christian growth, her relationship with Christ became evident in her singing ministry in the Golden Echoes Choir, her weekly punctual attendance to sabbath school class number one, and her commitment to serving humanity as a member of the Community Service Department.

Sis. Paddyfote's senior years revolved around Maranatha; the pastors, the people, the services, her prayer partner Sis Mary Piper Phillips. She didn't miss an event, a service, any occasion to fellowship with the members, this was her place of belonging. Her soft, warm voice was seldom harsh or rude, instead, her words had a way of making you feel at home in her presence. The members in turn cherish a deep admiration for her humility and Christlike demeanor, and wait for the great reunion to harmonize in the heavenly choir with a dear member, friend, gentle mentor …a child of God. Her seat in pew number three, on the organ side, close to the center aisle is now empty. But, "in the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore. In the sweet by and by we shall sing the melodious songs of the blessed, and our spirits shall sorrow no more, not a sigh for the blessings of rest." Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Elorine Paddyfote will be mourned, missed, and remembered by her husband, her four siblings, niece Alicia Jarrett (Lele), and other members of her extended family. Special thanks are extended to Pamela Jarrett (sister-in-law and caregiver in her final months), North Dade Nursing and Rehab Center, and the staff of Jackson North Hospital.