Mavis Rebecca Ricketts

Mavis Rebecca Ricketts was born on April 18, 1928 to the late Egbert Milton and Mary Wright-Elvy in Green Pond, Manchester, Jamaica, WI. It was in this small community where she was raised and shaped during her formative years. She attended the Patrick Town All-Age School. Upon completing her education, Mavis pursued sewing as a career and went on to become an accomplished seamstress. She was very gifted in sewing, creating well-tailored and stylish clothing, not only for herself but for her family and for her community. Whether she was at church, at a wedding or at any other special occasion, Mavis always looked stunning in the new dress or suit she had made. She took great pride in her workmanship, which was always outstanding and eye catching.

Mavis met the love of her life, the late Albert W. Ricketts, during one of his many visits to her area. They wedded in December of 1946, and their union continued forty-two years until the time of his passing. Together they had fifteen beautiful children, three of which preceded her in death. Her family was her number one pride and joy, and her countless life’s sacrifices over the years were an emphatic testimony to this. She was a very giving woman, not only to her family and friends, but to various ministries, and to all those who came into her life. On many occasions, you could find her giving out of her need because she had that kind of heart.

The cornerstone of Mavis’ and Albert’s marriage was their relationship with God. They understood the power of prayer, putting their trust in God and His Word. They were prayer warriors, praying always for their family, extended relatives, friends, and all others who came into their lives. Their Christ-centered life created a spiritual legacy for the family to carry forward. Even in her weakest moments, Mavis’ faith in God remained strong. This enduring faith, along with her internalizing the Word of God, sustained her through the most difficult of circumstances.

In 1969, Mavis migrated to the United States to make a better life for her family. She established her new life in Cambridge, MA where she and her family resided for many years. During this time, she attended the Apostolic Pentecostal Church (currently Abundant Life Church) as part of her weekly expression of worship and service, until she relocated to Dorchester, MA in 1983. Shortly thereafter, she became a member of Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church and eventually a member of Family Life Fellowship, where she was a valued source of encouragement and inspiration.

In her vocation, Mavis was first employed at Mass General Hospital before moving on to work for Tufts Dental School in Boston, MA. There, she proved to be a tireless employee who was loved and respected by both faculty and students alike. Upon retirement, she was honored with special recognition for her long years of service. Thereafter she was able to spend more time doing the things she loved: sewing, traveling, and visiting with distant family and friends.

Mavis loved having her family around her and would often cook her family’s favorite dishes for all to enjoy. No one could rival her delicious carrot cake, the most sough after dessert at family gatherings. There is so much more that could be said about this amazing, gracious, and godly woman, but this limited forum will not allow. Those she touched will remember her as “Mom Ricketts”, “Aunt May”, “Sister Ricketts”- all terms of endearment for her.

Mavis leaves to cherish her memory, Joseph Stewart of Lynn, MA; Eugenie Servis of Attleboro MA; Noel (Rosetta) Ricketts of Port Saint Lucie, FL; Beverly Ricketts of Boston, MA; Leonie

(Errol) Barnes of Milton, MA; Gersham (Maxine) Ricketts of Milton, MA; Paulette (Trevor) Crutchley of Miami, FL; Anthony (Carol) Ricketts of Readville, MA; Collin (Karen) Ricketts of Milton, MA; Rollin (Saundra) Ricketts of Randolph, MA; Donald (Elyse) Ricketts of Walpole, MA; and Ronald (Jessie) Ricketts of Brockton, MA. She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Mary Milton, Winifred Elvy, Imo-Jean Elvy, Novlette Elvy, and Merkel Elvy. She was preceded in death by her siblings the late Roy Milton, Carmen Wright, Florence Jennings, Othniel Jennings, and Sidney Jennings. In addition, she leaves behind 33 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, as well as many adopted sons, daughters, relatives and friends.

~ An Ode to Mavis ~ It was a perfect summer morning ... September 2, 2018 ... a day that the Lord had made ...

and Mavis Rebecca Ricketts calmly maneuvered her soul craft into the zephyr winds of heaven -

the celestial jet stream.  An excitement was rising steadily in her mind as she thought ”  I am almost there - just a little bit further!!”.   Gently deploying its landing gear she set her glide path for the shining city rising majestically in the distance - it's light filling the sky - the city called Glory!!.   A fascinating yet familiar voice spoke softly over the craft’s speakers: “Hello my love ... daughter of the Most High King ... you are cleared for landing.

 Having fought the good fight ... you have finished your course ... and you have kept the faith. We will all see you soon.

 Even now a cloud of witnesses ... including your dearest friend Albert are anxiously waiting to receive you.  Oh Mavis!!  I cannot wait to embrace you!   Welcome home!”

~ A Timeless QUESTION ~ “If a man dies ... will he live again?! “ 

In his letter to the saints in Corinth Paul, the apostle,  answers this question with a resounding - YES!!! He said ... "how are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?   Know that as with grain, you do not sow that body that shall be; the former and the latter can hardly be compared.  This fleshy body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.  It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.

It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body."   Boom!! Aren't we Forever 21 ... music playing ... beautiful bodies dancing ... drinks are flowing –  life is pulsing along like one big party?  But ... when the party is over ...  who is going to carry you home?! To choose Him pray "Lord Jesus thanks for loving me.  Come into my heart - I give my life to you now.  Amen" Read:   John 3:16;  John 6:47-48  and  Hebrews 4:12-13.