Jean Luenda Stephens was born July 13, 1928 in Georgetown, St. Vincent to Constance Stephens and Joseph Garraway. Affectionately called “Mama Jean,” she was the second child of six siblings: Ruth, Joseph, Ivan, Irma, and Tabitha. As one of the eldest children, Mama Jean’s siblings were her world and ignited what was to become a lifelong passion for caregiving.  Mama Jean began her professional career as  an educator. If you spent long enough by her side, without a doubt you have heard stories of her treacherous journey across Rabacca River to arrive at Sandy Bay School.  She served as a teacher and head teacher at three government schools for 32 years (starting at age 13) before eventually immigrating to the United States in 1980.

Mama’s dear sister Irma, brother-in-law Danny, and nephew Mark played a special and central role in her familial, social and spiritual life. This bond between them was fortified from her arrival in the US, and grew even stronger in Mama’s latest years.  Their indescribable sisterhood and friendship was known to all.

Mama Jean modeled dedication and service to all who knew her. Her influence led all of Mama Jean's children and grandchildren to lives in service.  Mama Jean’s two beloved daughters,

Jennifer and Hyacinth, chose careers in caregiving and education as nurses. Together, Mama Jean’s daughters birthed 5 children: Melissa, Christopher, Nicole, Natalie and Brandon. All 5 of her grandchildren benefitted from her maternal devotion – none of them ever needed a babysitter because Mama Jean cared for and helped educate each of them. Hyacinth’s children Melissa, Christopher, and Brandon all entered into careers in service and protection. Nicole and Natalie, Jennifer’s children, both entered into careers in healthcare and education.

To many, Mama Jean was an educator, a friend, a confidant, a neighbor, and sister in fellowship. To few, she was a sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. To everyone, though, she was a home. A place to return. She was warm, generous, humorous, and most importantly, she was constant. Always offering a meal and a story. Sometimes a MetroCard, sometimes a pack of gum, and if you were lucky – as so many of us were – sometimes a song. Mama could be heard singing Beulah Land from her backyard, bedroom, bathroom, even from her hospital bed.

I look away across the sea; where mountains are prepared for me
And view the shining glory shore; My heaven my home forever more

Mama Jean’s middle name, Luenda, means light, in Latin; a word that could not be more fitting for her. She was our light. Always reminding us:

Yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision;
But today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Mama joins her beloved mother Mama Connie, uncle Basil, siblings Ivan and Ruth, and brother in law Danny in heaven.

Mama Jean is survived by:

Her siblings- Irma, Jeff, and Tab

Her eldest daughter and son in law- Jennifer and Howard

Her youngest daughter and son in law- Hyacinth and Ronald

Her nephews- Ivan Junior, Mark, Andrew, Noel and her nieces - Rhonda, Patricia, and LaFleur

Her grandchildren- Melissa, Christopher, Nicole, Natalie, and Brandon

Her great grandchildren- Chloe, Jordan Tracy, and Zuri

And many grand nieces (including Shatira, Madison, Nubia, Alexis, and Zadie), grand nephews, extended family, friends, neighbors, fellow teachers, and former pupils

The family thanks you for your love and support and would like to express our immense gratitude to her dedicated caretakers – Palone Johnson and Natacha Pierre