Cynthia Valentia (Rose) Johnson born March 4, 1935, in Craighead Manchester, Jamaica to Iris Miller and Stanford Rose. She was the youngest of three children. Her mother Iris, later married Barry Green. She became part of a larger family with several sisters and brothers. Cynthia moved to Kingston, Jamaica in her late teens.
Clasford Johnson, born on August 13,1936 in Tweedside Clarendon, Jamaica to Estelle and Ivan Johnson. Clasford (Vernon) was the second eldest of his fourteen brothers and sisters. Clasford moved to Kingston at the age of 19 where he later met Cynthia Rose.
The two wed on November 23, 1962. Between 1955 and 1965 Cynthia and Clasford had 5 children, Janet, Howard, Andora, Robert, and Denniston. Their strength and determination enabled them to arrange the departure of the family from Jamaica, with the firstborn Janet, to the UK in 1969; Then herself to the USA in 1970 on a work visa. Clasford and the rest of the family arrived in the USA between 1971-1972.
For many years Clasford worked as an auto-repairman while Cynthia worked as a seamstress for Jewish Memorial Hospital and Rehabilitation Center from 1971 until her retirement in 2003. Cynthia’s strong work ethic and love for her her job, put her there every day from 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Her sick days were minimal if any at all, for which she took great pride in. Besides sewing, her other favorite hobbies included playing the lottery and going to Building 19. Throughout her life, Cynthia was a dedicated parishioner of Dorchester Temple Baptist Church, currently known as Global Ministries Christian Church.
Together, Cynthia and Clasford saved and bought their first home in Dorchester in 1973 where they continued to raise their family. They were affectionately known to each other as “Cynti” and “Vernon”. To other family, Cynthia was also known as “Ms. Rose”, to their children as “mama and daddy”, and to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “grandma and grandpa”.
Cynthia and Clasford always welcomed family to their home when they visited the United States. They were loved and respected by everyone who knew them.
Together in life and together in the arms of God, they leave behind their children: Janet Humphries, Andora Monteiro, Robert Johnson, and Denniston Johnson, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and extended family and many friends. Their union remained in life and in passing; Departing this earth within 5 days of each other, after 58 years of marriage.
We will miss you both, we love you. Rest peacefully in the arms of God.