Esbell May Bernard-Henry

Esbell May Bernard-Henry (Aunt May) was born on September 17, 1944, in Duanvale, Trelawny, Jamaica, to the Late Lucretia Jones-Bernard and Alfred Bernard. She was the ninth child of eleven children. She is preceded by three sisters and four brothers.

Her early formal education began at the Duanvale Basic School. After completing basic school, she attended the Duanvale All-Age School. Esbell went on to further her education at the Nutshell, Domestic School in Duncans, Trelawny. Upon completing her course of study, she had the prestigious job working for the Governor General of Jamaica, the Honourable Florizel Glasspole.

Esbell, who was a hard worker, sought other gainful employment. She worked as a cashier at Johnson’s Drive-in. Her cooking and baking skills landed her at Shirley’s Bakery and Catering Services.

Esbell’s passion was for the education of young children. This inspired her dream to start her own basic school in Seaview Garden. This was a welcome venture to meet the dire needs of her community’s children, who really needed this head start program.

In 1979, she married the wonderful love of her life, Shem Henry, and they raised four children together. They became her pride and joy. She was devoted to their care and well-being. She was a mother hen who protected them from danger and perceived danger. Her youngest son, Gavyn, preceded her three years ago, precisely on May 7, 2023.

Esbell immigrated to Waltham, Massachusetts, in pursuit of a better life for her family in 1995. She worked in the healthcare field for some years until her retirement.

She was an ardent Christian. She loved God with all her heart and was not afraid to let it be known. As a child, she grew up attending Sunday School and church service at the Trittonville Baptist Church in Duanvale. Esbell was led to the Duanvale New Testament Church of God during her teenage years by her older sister Linnett. She remained a prominent and vibrant member until the time of her passing.

Church was her life. She enjoyed going to church and singing alto in the church choir. She was even a member of a Gospel singing group in Kingston, Jamaica. She always wore her Sunday best with her latest fashionable hats and a brooch.

She always prayed for her husband, children, grandchildren, relatives, pastor, church brethren, and anyone in need. She was a good neighbor and loved by all.
Though greatly missed by her family, relatives, pastors, church brethren, and friends, Esbell leaves behind a legacy to be celebrated by her dear husband of 46 years, two sons, and one daughter, 2 daughters-in law, one son -in-law, 8 grandchildren, three sisters, and one brother, a host of relatives and friends.

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