In Loving Memory of Michael Ricketts
Sunrise: 04/15/1935 - Sunset: 04/11/2005

Funeral Service
Friday, April 22, 2005 - 7 p.m.
Holy House of Prayer for All People
1768 St. Johns Place
Brooklyn, New York

Rev. Ray Ricketts - Officiated

Obituary:

Michael Ricketts was born to Gladys Miller and Cecile Ricketts on April 15, 1935 in Kingston, Jamaica. He migrated to the United States on March 15, 1969 and resided in New York City for 36 years.

Michael was an active member of Rivers int he Desert Community Church Inc., New York. A man of outstanding faith, he began and ended every day in prayer to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He prayed for every family member, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. He prayed for each of his children from conception until the day of his death.

An industrious man, he persevered even when life became difficult. He did whatever was necessary to ensure that his wife and children had shelt and sustenance. Throughout his life he was a fisherman, a salesman, a port worker, a farm worker, a custodian, an elevator operator and a security guard. He retired in 1998 after being employed by Helmsley Spear for 29 years.

The epitome of the family man, he imparted the discipline and principles learned at his father's knee to his own family. His belief in family reliance was demonstrated by the way he made himself and his resources available to any family member in need. He loved sharing his wisdom with family and friends. He strongly impressed upon all of his children the value of an education. A proud black man who believed in the struggle of black people; he lived a life of purpose. That purpose: To be a father his children would want to emulate, a husband his wife would always desire, the provider of an inheritance for his children and grandchildren and last but not least, a servant to whom God would say..."Well done."

He leaves behind, his dear and loving companion of 50+ years, Pearline; children, Jennifer, Clarence, Floyd, Ray, Correen, Charmaine, Brenda, Joy, Gladys and Rupert; Grandchildren: Claire, Casilda, Jermaine, Shemika, Cassaundra, Shelaine, Shakir, Tarik, Clarence Jr., Marcus, Kendal, Kalif, Kaline, Joshua and Azariah; Great-Grandchildren: Malcolm, Mya and Mekhi; Siblings: Hermain, Kathleen, Kenneth, Joyce and Altiman; Adopted Daughter: Opan and several other adopted sons and daughters, nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.