Jessie Rebecca Arthur DeFlorimonte was born in Hopetown Berbice, Guyana, South America on May 26, 1922, the sixth of seven children to the parents of William Arthur and Jessie James Arthur. She was the matriarch of the Arthur family and the last one of her siblings to transition. Her formal education was acquired at Bedford Methodist Primary School. At a very young age, Jessie
Jessie Rebecca Arthur DeFlorimonte was born in Hopetown Berbice, Guyana, South America on May 26, 1922, the sixth of seven children to the parents of William Arthur and Jessie James Arthur. She was the matriarch of the Arthur family and the last one of her siblings to transition. Her formal education was acquired at Bedford Methodist Primary School. At a very young age, Jessie developed a passion for sewing and blossomed into a well-known, talented seamstress extraordinaire. During her 50 plus years as a renowned seamstress, she created several wedding gowns and fashionable clothing, many without patterns.
Jessie fell in love with her handsome neighbor, Percival Aloysious DeFlorimonte. On his return from serving with the British Army during World War II, they were united in holy matrimony on June 7, 1947. Their union was blessed with six children. As an officer of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, Jessie took pride in leading the members while marching and saluting during national parades. In that organization, she acquired skills in First Aid and Home Nursing.
A strong but gentle soul, Jessie has always been a performer. She was most joyful while reciting poetry, singing, dramatizing, and modeling at concerts and community socials as well as at her church. Jessie had music in her blood and was often the center of attraction showing off her moves on the dance floor. Jessie loved to laugh. Her infectious laughter could be heard following jokes with family and friends. Her dazzling smile, and warm hugs, melted the hearts of everyone she met. She had a “sweet hand” and generously served up scrumptious meals, such as cook-up-rice, pepper pot and metemgee with love. Her homemade bread, coconut buns, and other pastries were a treat on weekends. Family and friends couldn’t wait to savor her pumpkin fritters, black cake, sorrel, and ginger beer, especially at Christmas time.
A woman of deep faith, Jessie was born into the Anglican Community and attended St. Georges Cathedral, Georgetown, Guyana, until migrating to the USA. She was a devoted member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church for over forty years. Jessie served on the Altar Guild for almost 30 years and made many altar linens as well as shirts for priests. She was always fashionable wearing her signature hats. Today, the women in her family, pay tribute to her by wearing their own trendy hats.
On May 26, 2022, Jessie became a centenarian. Congratulatory letters were received from President Joe Biden, Governor Larry Hogan, Prince Georges’ County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks, Council member Edward Burroughs, and Guyana’s Ambassador to the U.S.A., Samuel Hinds. Police outriders led a glorious drive-by parade as family, friends and neighbors and three television news stations joined in the celebration.
Jessie will be fondly remembered for the way she made people feel because of her loving and caring spirit. She is preceded in death by her husband, Percival Aloysious DeFlorimonte, and leaves three generations to carry on her legacy: Children – Desiree, Franklin, Kenneth, (Patricia), Coleen, Cheryl and Delmar (Kristin); Grandchildren – Angel, Oronde (Ja’net), Melena, Travis (Terri), Rashad, Cordarius (Renee), Michaela, Ciara; Great-grandchildren – Jayson, Adia, Celeste, Mya, Isaac, Alister, Jade; Deja, Breland, Amauri; Nieces and nephews – The Waynes, Arthurs, Strains and Mc Cammons, along with a myriad of other relatives and friends, whose lives she touched.
Sleep in Eternal Peace Dear Jessie!
