“Delly! Where that child is?” This was the sentiment echoed inBrowns Settlement Crooked Island from the lips of Marie C. Ferguson (nee)Heastie, and Bertram Ferguson. Idella was the first of eight children born onSeptember 15th, 1945. She received her middle name after hergrandmother Medram Ferguson. Little mischievous “Idell”, as she was tenderlycalled, was picking flowers in the community cemetery in Browns Settlement,True Blue Crooked Island, where she developed her love for flowers. Idellreceived her early education at True Blue All- Age School. Later, this stunningyoung lady and her parents relocated to New Providence where she obtainedemployment at the Caribbean Bottling Company, better known as “Coca-Cola”.
Idella received the Lord as her personal Savior at the age ofseventeen (17), at the Meadow Street Church of God of Prophecy, under the thenleadership of the late Bishop Nathaniel Beneby.
It was during her tenure of employment at the CaribbeanBottling Company (Coca- Cola) that this statuesque, stunning young lady caughtthe eyes of Emmanuel “Manny” Albries. Manny pursued “Delly” relentlessly, refusing to give up his quest forher hand in holy matrimony. After a five-year courtship, he presented herparents a letter pledging his undying love for her. The two were joinedtogether in holy matrimony on June 16th, 1968. This loving unionproduced four children namely; Perry, Keva, Barbara and Brenda.
After Idell took a hiatus from the job market to become ahomemaker, she later sought gainful employment at The Church of God of ProphecyEast Street Tabernacle in 1982. Thankful, gratitude and appreciation were her watchwords through herjourney of life. Del was eternally blessed, and we her family are forevergrateful to the Holy Spirit for leading her through forty years (40) ofGodly, diligent service to His ministry. As stated in Psalms 119 verse110 (KJV)“The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet! I erred not from thy precepts.” Forthis reason, in good times she persevered, in sad times she endured, inhurricanes she showed up to work, and worked with zeal, as unto the Lord.
Idella would reminisce on how time had flown by so quickly,and had to pinch herself when she considered, all the many functions and eventsshe had overseen as caretaker. The countless numbers of church services,conventions, crusades, revivals, concerts, jamborees, cookouts, steak outs,graduations, weddings and added to the list, the Pandemic. She would exclaim,“If I have not witnessed at least one thousand funerals (1000) for the fortyplus years I have been an employee, my name ain’t Idella and that’s the Godhonest truth”.
At this time, we fondly remember one of her deceased bestfriends and church co-worker, the late Sister Irma Rigby. They worked for manyyears together and shared a friendship like none other.
The Bible states in Romans 14:8(NIV) “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we diefor the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”.
As her family, we have so many wonderful memories of Idell asa wife, mother, sister, friend, neighbour and church member. We are confidentthat her life was without question orchestrated by the Lord and that includedher death. Sunday August 14th , 2022 will forever be etched in ourhearts. She has indeed rested from her labour and her work will forever followher.
Delly has seen generation after generation born, christen andburied in East Street Tabernacle, the “Big Jumper Church”. And now, it’s timefor us to say, “Thank you, I give you thanks, for all you’ve done”. Idella youwere so blessed, your soul is at rest, praise God, we give you thanks. After arecent surgery, Del began to experience some complications. And on theafternoon of Sunday August 14th, our precious Idella transitionedfrom labour to reward. “Absent from this body, present with the Lord”.
So, whether you called her Auntie Idell, Delly, Miss Dell, orjust Mummy, we the family of the late Sister Idella Medram Ferguson Albriesrequest that you please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Mayher soul rest in eternal peace and rise in glory.
SHEWAS PREDECEASED BY: Her Parents: Bertram S & Marie C.Ferguson
IDELLAIS SURVIVED BY: Her loving husband of 54yrs. Emmanuel Albries; Children: Perry, Keva, Barbara &Brenda Albries; Sisters & Spouses: Zelma Moss (Aaron, deceased), OrianForbes (Philip), Joycelyn Musgrove (Gregory), Ruthlyn Miller (Bob), Naomi Dean(Brian), Ruth Ferguson; Brothers & Spouses: HarryFerguson (Joycelyn), Starrington Ferguson (Claudette), Ted Ferguson (Vernita); Nieces& Nephews: Tesma Lloyd, CraigMoss, Tanya Thompson, Shelton, Javon, Taurian, Kyjia & Kranz Ferguson,Clayton, W/Sgt. 3597 Desiree Ferguson, Monique Forbes, O’Cara Nixon, OliviaForbes, Jason, Jermaine & Jewel Musgrove, Gabriel & Jasmine Miller, TedJr. & Toinette Ferguson; Numerous Grand Nieces and Nephews; Aunt:Eloise Swain (Salathiel); Sister-in-law: Seleta Albries
Numerous relatives and friendsincluding: Doreen Campbell & Family, Henry Ferguson& Family, Nora McClain & Family, Verlene LaFleur & Family, Shane& Denise Sweeting, Wayde Sweeting & Family, Philip Sweeting &Family, Terah Swain, Delvin, Joesph, Elvis, Sam, The Family of the Late LawsonFerguson, Kayla, Norius Doriscar & Family; The Generation of BishopNathaniel and Victoria Beneby, Philip Sweeting and Family, The Generation ofHenriette Hart, Descendants of Browns Crooked Island, Irma Rigby (deceased)& Family, Deloris Sinclair, Leona Dean, Minister Sharon Deveaux &Family, Bishop Dr. Brice H. Thompson & Family, Bishop Dr. Elgarnet Rahming& Family, Bishop Dr. Franklyn Ferguson & Family, Bishop Hulan Hanna& COGOP East Street Family, Bishop Woodley Thompson & Family, BishopSterling Moss & COGOP Meadow Street Family, Bishop Ghaly Swan & COGOP EnglerstonFamily, Pastor Timothy Johnson & COGOP Baillou Hill Road Family, PastorTerrance Forbes & COGOP Carmichael Road Family, Apostle Lee Watson & TrinityCity of Praise Family, Bishop Kendal Simmons & Family, Shane Miller,Raymond & Karen Pratt & Family, Felix Walkine, Alsward Rahming &Family, Alsaida Beneby and Family, Williamae Bridgewater, Harry & LouiseSimmons, Gloria, Peggy Smith & Family, Marie Brooks & Family, Ms. CynthiaMunroe & Family, Ellamae Rolle & Family, St. Timse Pierre & Family,Staff of George’s Takeaway, Staff of Courtesy Supermarket including PhilipBeneby & Sons, Norman Beneby & HGM Family, Hon Keith Bell, MP forCarmichael Constituency, Belair Estate Community, Permanent Secretary PhedraTurnquest, Management & Staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Department ofImmigration, Staff of the Cleveland Eneas Primary School.
Special Thanks to: Dr. EugeneGray, Dr. Delton Farquharson, Nurse Miller, Pedro Ferguson and the staff ofEast Sunrise Mortuary. Please accept our apologies if we omitted any names. Kindlynote that it was unintentional, we appreciate and are grateful for all yoursupport.
