On March 12, 1943, Cacheta Lightbourne was born to the late John Campbell and Lillian Mclean in Kingston, Jamaica.
She was the older sister to her only brother Devon. The highlights of her life were giving birth to her first child Joan, followed by Charmaine, Joy and lastly Milton.
A young Cherry migrated from Jamaica along with her son to New York to set off the goals she needed to accomplish. Her main goal was to work diligently so she may reunite her family that was left behind. Imagine the struggles she embarked on settling in Brooklyn, NY as a single woman with a young child by her side and 3 others abroad waiting on her. The vision she had for her and her family made her determined to overcome any obstacles in order to succeed.
Therefore, she gained her first employment in the states as a housekeeper. Later, she became a qualified nursing assistant.
After some time, she began to gradually reunite her family. Finally, her family was humbly joined together again in New York. Her strong will made it possible to relocate her family from New York to Florida and buy a home. A home she opened to her children and grandchildren. She was a providing and loving mother and grandmother not just to her family but to others she crossed paths with. Cherry was a mother figure to so many. She was seen as a pillar to her community, blessing people with advice, opinions, food and most of all her genuine love and care. Later, she opened a business. After so many struggles, she became a proud entrepreneur. It was evident it would be a restaurant because of her expertise in the kitchen.
Our mother the matriarch to our family. Her strength, her wisdom was undeniable, everything she touch she excelled. Our Mother was very strict indeed, but her love for us was everything.
We never remember a day that we were hungry because she always made sure that we were well fed and had a roof over our head.
On July 29, 2023 GOD witnessed her pain and suffering and carried her home. She was blessed to be in the comfort of her home surrounded by such love from family and friends. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love and compassion for all her loved ones, forgiveness of one another and most of all her faith and love in God. Her absence will be tremendously missed.
Her beloved daughter Joan Bryan preceded her in death along with her grandson Derrick Anthony Valentine.
She leaves to mourn her brother Devon Campbell, daughters Charmaine Wong Sue, Joy Grant (Conroy), and her son Milton Valentine (Wachisha), Her grandchildren, Kemesh Henry, Keichan Lewis-Charley (Sheildrick), Jermaine Passley, Miyesha Valentine, Shamika Valentine, Shanice Wong Sue, Amiya Valentine, Elijah Valentine, Devin Valentine and Jaelyn Grant. Her great grandchildren Shelbie, Ashlie, Kylie, MaKayla, Kalis, King and Victor Porter Jr. She also leaves to mourn the children whom she was a mother figure to Ian, Wayne, Amolie, Toya, Tracy, Marvalyn and Malik.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the prayers and words of encouragement during our bereavement. May God bless you all.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. Please check back for status updates and service information.
Please leave the family a note of condolence, light a candle of remembrance, or order a floral remembrance piece.
Be comforted by these words:
Ecclesiastes 12:7 - "And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.