Audrey May Reid

Audrey May Reid was born on January 30th,1936 in the beautiful Parish of St. Mary, Jamaica, West Indies. She was the product of two amazing and beautiful parents; St. Elmo Reid and Gwendolyn Watkis. Audrey was a multi- talented individual. After completing her schooling, Audrey pursued her dream of entrepreneurship. She started out as a seamstress and fashion designer in her community. She would create clothing for the local women and stores. She was also excellent at knitting and crocheting. Audrey had a passion for cooking and baking. She decided to open her own dining establishment, which became very successful. Shortly thereafter, she was given the opportunity to migrate to the United States, by her Best friend Hope Moore. Audrey was a very ambitious and goal driven person. She arrived in the United States in 1968, to work as an Au pair in Philadelphia. Audrey then moved to Harlem, NY in 1972. During this time, she went back to school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant and began working at the Kateri Residence Nursing Home. In 1972, Marcia, her eldest daughter, joined her. After living in Harlem for a short time, she then moved to the Bronx in 1973. In 1974, she was reunited with her three other children Mark, Claudette, and Natalie. Audrey wanted a better life for her children, and in 1975 she purchased her first home in Freeport, Long Island. Audrey longed to see her mother Gwendolyn, and in 1975 they were reunited. Audrey continued to work at Kateri Residence, and held multiple side jobs as well, to make ends meet to provide for her four children and beloved Mother. She loved her profession of being a Certified Nursing Assistant until her retirement. As the Matriarch of her family, she led a legacy of teaching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren the value of life, money, credit, and respect. She loved to help those in need and was a selfless woman. She was a philanthropist in her own right. She believed in giving, and not expecting anything in return. She was a loving, caring, devoted, and dedicated Mother and Grandmother. She always gave the best advice and was a great listener. She would always say "Make sure you save for a rainy day" and "Manners, respect, and good credit will carry you far in life". She also impressed upon the importance of getting an education to her children and grandchildren. Audrey knew that knowledge is power, and education can take you anywhere. She loved to travel and has been all over the world. She lived her life to the fullest and with no regrets. She had a blessed life due to her love for God, ambition, determination, and work ethic. Audrey was a devout Christian and never lost her faith, even in troubled times, she held onto the promises of God her creator. Audrey was blessed with four children – Mark, Marcia, Claudette, and Natalie. Whom she showed love beyond measure. This is exemplified in their characters and the joy they have in doing for others. Audrey's biggest joy was her ten grandchildren, and her four great grandchildren. She taught her family to be independent and rely on yourself first before you rely on others. Audrey taught her family to represent their name well. Audrey moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2004, to enjoy her retirement years, family, friends, and warm weather. During her time in Florida, she remained in contact with her family through constant phone calls, visits, and celebrations. This only strengthened her bond with her family. She was called home to her final resting place surrounded by family on June 7th, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. As the Matriarch of her family, she would want each of us to cherish her memory and remember what she taught us. She would want us to smile knowing she is at peace and is no longer suffering or in pain. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, St. Elmo Reid and Gwendolyn Watkis, Her two brothers Basil and Rex Reid; Her three sisters Shirley (Cherry) Reid, Gloria Tobois and Hope Moore She leaves to celebrate her victory over death: Her children Mark (Marjorie), Marcia, Claudette, and Natalie; 10 grandchildren: Shantay, Javar (Kahreen), Mandell, Janelle, Jamar, Andre, Marissa, Tiffany, Javan, and Alexis; 4 great grandchildren: Arianna, Andre, Jakob and Lev; . 2 brothers: Derrick (Yvonne) and Charles (Linda); 3 sisters; Colleen, Judith (Gilbert), and Marlene; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends.