Obituary for Henrietta Fletcher
Henrietta G. Fletcher better
known as “Mama” was born
September 9, 1927 to Vincent
and Flandria McKenzie in
Clarendon, Jamaica, West
Indies.Mama was the youngest
of five siblings. As the young-
est and only girl, Mama was
spoiled and protected by her
father and brothers.
Mama’s early education took
her from Brixton Hill Primary
School in Clarendon, Jamaica to
her graduating from secretarial
school in Kingston, Jamaica.
Mama would often boast of her
typing and shorthand skills, as
well as expertise in spelling.
Mama met and married Herby W. Fletcher on March
27th, 1949. From that union they were blessed with
eight children and assisted with raising countless
others.
Mama accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was
a founding member of Mount Sinai United Church in
Jamaica, WI. When mama migrated to the United
States she joined Plymouth Congregational Church
in Brooklyn, New York. Upon her relocation to West
Palm beach she worshiped at Mount Calvary Baptist
church in West Palm Beach and later attended
Cooper City Church of God after moving to
Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Mama spent her early life in Jamaica as the diva
princess (Justice McKenzie’s one daughter), evolving
into the community’s (post missis) postmaster, and
as a result becoming the real big woman in Ashley.
Mama however found herself in need of making the
big bold move of leaving her family to hustle up and
restore her finances after the tragic loss of her home
to a fire.
Mama migrated to the United States in
1966 and resided in Brooklyn, New
York. Mama was employed as care-
taker for numerous patients and later
employed as a Nursing Assistant at
Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan
New York for 19 years. Mama retired
and relocated to West Palm Beach
Florida in1985 where she resumed
her career as caretaker to many.
During this period Mama cared for
her beloved mother, Mother Dear until
her passing in 1998. Mama was also
the primary caregiver to her husband
of 53 years, Herby Fletcher (Papa),
during a prolonged illness until his
passing in 2002.
Mama will be remembered for many of her infamous
sayings such as “Things done by halves are never
done right”, “Waste not, want not”. Mama would often
close out her prayers with “Without I cannot live but
with you I dare not die”. In Mama’s last days leading
up to her passing she would always shout “UNNUH
SHUT UP, UNNUH AH MEK TOO MUCH NOISE AH MI
DARN HEAD”
Mama passed away peacefully on Saturday January
7th, 2023 leaving those who love her with many
fond memories that will be treasured for generations
to come. Her many stories of her life experiences
will always remain with those who hold her close
in their heart.
Mama leaves to mourn: eight children, Errol (Rally),
Dahlia (Blossom), Clive, Emenetia (Emmie), Walter
(Larry), Glenroy, Herbert (Junior), Lorraine, (Gem),
25 grand-children, 37 great-grandchildren, and 3
great-great grandchildren. Extended family including
a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many
friends whose lives were touched by her love, care
and compassion.
known as “Mama” was born
September 9, 1927 to Vincent
and Flandria McKenzie in
Clarendon, Jamaica, West
Indies.Mama was the youngest
of five siblings. As the young-
est and only girl, Mama was
spoiled and protected by her
father and brothers.
Mama’s early education took
her from Brixton Hill Primary
School in Clarendon, Jamaica to
her graduating from secretarial
school in Kingston, Jamaica.
Mama would often boast of her
typing and shorthand skills, as
well as expertise in spelling.
Mama met and married Herby W. Fletcher on March
27th, 1949. From that union they were blessed with
eight children and assisted with raising countless
others.
Mama accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was
a founding member of Mount Sinai United Church in
Jamaica, WI. When mama migrated to the United
States she joined Plymouth Congregational Church
in Brooklyn, New York. Upon her relocation to West
Palm beach she worshiped at Mount Calvary Baptist
church in West Palm Beach and later attended
Cooper City Church of God after moving to
Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Mama spent her early life in Jamaica as the diva
princess (Justice McKenzie’s one daughter), evolving
into the community’s (post missis) postmaster, and
as a result becoming the real big woman in Ashley.
Mama however found herself in need of making the
big bold move of leaving her family to hustle up and
restore her finances after the tragic loss of her home
to a fire.
Mama migrated to the United States in
1966 and resided in Brooklyn, New
York. Mama was employed as care-
taker for numerous patients and later
employed as a Nursing Assistant at
Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan
New York for 19 years. Mama retired
and relocated to West Palm Beach
Florida in1985 where she resumed
her career as caretaker to many.
During this period Mama cared for
her beloved mother, Mother Dear until
her passing in 1998. Mama was also
the primary caregiver to her husband
of 53 years, Herby Fletcher (Papa),
during a prolonged illness until his
passing in 2002.
Mama will be remembered for many of her infamous
sayings such as “Things done by halves are never
done right”, “Waste not, want not”. Mama would often
close out her prayers with “Without I cannot live but
with you I dare not die”. In Mama’s last days leading
up to her passing she would always shout “UNNUH
SHUT UP, UNNUH AH MEK TOO MUCH NOISE AH MI
DARN HEAD”
Mama passed away peacefully on Saturday January
7th, 2023 leaving those who love her with many
fond memories that will be treasured for generations
to come. Her many stories of her life experiences
will always remain with those who hold her close
in their heart.
Mama leaves to mourn: eight children, Errol (Rally),
Dahlia (Blossom), Clive, Emenetia (Emmie), Walter
(Larry), Glenroy, Herbert (Junior), Lorraine, (Gem),
25 grand-children, 37 great-grandchildren, and 3
great-great grandchildren. Extended family including
a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many
friends whose lives were touched by her love, care
and compassion.