Tributes

In Loving Memory Of Vernon Leroy Gumbs March 27, 1964 - December 10, 2024

Good afternoon, All.
To me, he was Bro. Leroy – a dear brother, friend and mentor. Our friendship started soon after I had come to AXA to work in my first stint at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in 2000, and to fellowship with Pastor Philip and the congregants within this same church. And that friendship only blossomed over the years with me chiming in to help carry materials in my delicate hands while he refurbished his house in Sachasses, in playing yard cricket with his boys, his coming with his wife to do voluntary construction work on my home in Jamaica in 2002, to vacation in that same house for a week in 2004, and most recently, for opening up his own home for me and my wife to spend the best wedding anniversary we’ve had this time last year – 2024. That was our last time together, and we truly enjoyed that time. On disembarking the ferry from St. Martin that Saturday evening, I was so impressed seeing the new facility in Blowing Point and invited my wife Grace to take some photos there as I chatted about the previous facility and how this new one truly reflected the beauty and dignity of Anguilla, not at that time realizing that Bro. Leroy was the mastermind behind it. He picked us up at the Ferry Station, asked what my thoughts were about the new facility, and I truly expressed my joy about the amazing piece of architecture. He then revealed that it was his doing. We shared that joy together. He then handed over to my wife and I the key to his new pick-up vehicle and told us to have it for ourselves for the 6 days we were going to spend.
We sat at meal with his family the night before we parted in a restaurant at the bottom of Crocus Bay. That very night he got a great news also and we basked with him and his family as we reflected on the goodness of his Lord and His provisions for the family. Plans were being made to have him and his wife visit with us in the Cayman Islands where we live but Denroy, his son and my brother, beat him to it in May. An open invitation is still there for Bro. Leroy’s family to visit and spend time with us there.
Bro. Leroy enriched my 2 stints I served at the pleasure of the Government of Anguilla at the hospital, and my subsequent trips here. His warmth and goodwill were always palpable and genuine. He cared about my well-being, and always wanted the very best for me at all times, demonstrating this through words and deeds. My wife and I have been the beneficiaries of his love and Christian character, and on behalf of her – who is also with me today - to Sis. Denease and family, kindly do accept heart-felt condolences. We love you all, and do appreciate you for sharing Bro. Leroy with us. We already miss him but we too share with him and you the hope of salvation. We will see him again on that resurrection morning because he had made Jesus his Lord and Savior in his lifetime. What unbridled joy awaits him and us! The hymnist says, “What joy ‘twill be when we get over yonder (Hallelujah!), and join the throng around the crystal sea. (Bro. Leroy will be there!). With friends and loved ones we'll crown Christ forever. Oh this is just what Heaven means to me. See you then, bro. Rest in peace!
Your memory will always live on in my heart. Leroy, I am proud to call you, my brother. From a young age we came up living like twin brothers. Over the years, we shared and retain a bond and a good relationship. Losing both our parents at an early age, you worked hard to build a respectful life for yourself and family. Nothing was too much for you to give to the Lord. God saw your labour. I am quite proud of the work and legacy you left behind both, physically and spiritually. Gone, but not forgotten. You served with your heart. Your reward in heaven is sure! Revelation 14:13 says, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Blessed indeed, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!”. Brother, although I didn’t get to say goodbye, I am sure of your present home destination with God. Psalm 116:15 says “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”. You used the gifts God gave you to serve and empower others, a true testimony of your life. Leroy, you pressed on to reached the end of the race to receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, has called you. A true steward that has been found faithful. Rest my brother. From: Neville Gumbs & Family
Bro. Leroy Gumbs and his beloved wife Denease have been our friends for many years. It was indeed sadly shocking to learn on the early morning of December 10th, 2024 that Bro. Leroy had left us.
Bro. Leroy and Leeward Construction Company have been supportive friends of New Beginning Radio. On some occasions he and his wife would ask us to pray a blessing over construction sites before any work would begin. The blessing of the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal project one of these sites.
Bro. Leroy was also my employer for a brief period, having the opportunity to do certain installations at the ferry terminal project. He was a man of immense quiet strength. One who fulfilled his time and calling with a passionate love for his Saviour, dedication to his family and excellence in the many projects he assumed, completing them with speed and precision. It seems as if the brother was quickly recruited for glory. I got to thinking that probably the Lord had an important deadline to meet on a heavenly project and He said, “Bro. Leroy is the man!”
He will be deeply missed, but rests securely in the eternal peace of the Heavenly Father. Our condolences of love and support continue to be extended to his wonderful family.
These are some of the words to describe who you were to us. When we heard the news of your passing, we couldn't believe it. This has truly broken us completely. To this present day, we still can't believe you are gone. It doesn't feel real at all. Thank you for everything you have done for us in our lives to become the individuals we are today. We are truly going to miss your smile, support, encouraging words, our long talks, our hangouts and most of all the dancing. Thanks a million. We are going to miss you. Continue to rest in peace Uncle Lele until we meet again.
From your favourite ladies, Karissa Maynard, Karima Rogers (Rogers Sisters) and Denisha Williams
Bro Leroy, Thank you for your love, support, encouragement and kindness towards us through our journey. You were rooting for us from the beginning and that meant a lot to the both of us. Our prayers and comfort are with your family during your time of bereavement.
With love, Brian & Karissa Maynard
Our sincere condolences, it's our prayer that God will comfort you during this sad time. To his wife, my cousins Retty and Linda, other family, loved ones and friends. I got to know Leroy from the time of his construction company infancy. He was very co-operative.
Hope these words will bring some solace to you. A reading from Psalm 116 : 1 - 8 "I LOVE the Lord, because he hath heard my voice, and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell got hold upon me, I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee deliver my soul Verses 5......7. Verse 8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling."
"WHEN I MUST LEAVE YOU for a little while Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years But start out bravely with a gallant smile And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all things the same Feed not your loneliness on empty days But fill each waking hour in useful ways Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near And never never be afraid to die For I am waiting for you in the sky."
Written by: Helen Steiner Rice
Adapted by: Yolanda Gumbs and Family
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." May his soul rest in eternal peace
I don’t even know where to start. I guess I will start by saying thank you. thank you for your YES. Your YES to living an exemplary life style of holiness. Your YES to staying focus as a man and as a father. Your YES to helping people and doing good no matter what. Your YES to leaving a mark in this land and in people’s hearts that nothing and no one can erase. Pops you taught me how to be a leader, how to be respectful and kind. You taught me how to live by faith and prayer, how to love my wife and how to raise my children. You taught me the power of presence, and how to work hard for what I want. You left some really big shoes to fill. I will try my best to fill them while creating my own. I love you sir!
Dear Dad,
Thank you for accepting me and loving me like one of your very own children. You and mom are the very best parents in law that I could have ever asked for. It hurts that you are not with us anymore but I remember your words of encouragement, your advice and I cherish our moments together. I miss you dearly but I hold on to the memories of you to give me comfort in this time of sorrow. Thank you for every single thing that you have done for me. I will always love you dad.
Love Twila
Lee, as we affectionately called you, you were many things to me besides a brother. A brother first, then friend. You were a listening ear, an advisor, a confidante. I recall when you were supposed to be my Bestman at my wedding, when on my wedding day you switched your role and became the Father-Giver to my wife. I can say, your best gift to me was when you gave my wife to me in Holy matrimony, and your only daughter as the mock-bride. You never interfered but rather guided us with good intentions. Today our marriage stands as a seal to the gift given many years ago. Lee gone but will never be forgotten, I miss you more than anything I have ever had and lost. You were a good brother to me.
I had the privilege of knowing Leroy on a professional and personal level. We connected right away, Leroy symbolized to me the best combination of values in a person that is a businessperson and a family guy – Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism, and loyalty. He possessed rare qualities in today’s world, and that is how he got into people’s hearts. His life achievements and success will live on through his wonderful family, his company, and his construction projects. You will be missed, rest in peace, dear friend.
It saddens me that we can not create anymore memories but you have left me with numerous that remind me of how blessed I am. Your life speaks volume in mine. Every time i think of you, i have an image of you deeply smiling. That smile represents your profound joy with how you have lived your life as our father and as a beacon for others. Dada, you are GOD’s gift to us. You will always be loved, remembered and in our hearts.
A pillar of strength , a motivator in worship, a kingdom builder and an extremely generous man of God is who you were to us at Kingdom Gospel Global Outreach Ministries brother Leroy. In a few short months, you revolutionized the Ministry as you and your family stood besides your son Apostle Denroy Gumbs to support and to encouraged him in his ministerial endeavors. What a huge blessing you were to Linda and I and the entire memberships of KGGOM. We always looked forward to your worship leading. This contagious smile behind the microphone has no substitute . It was difficult to believe that you left us so suddenly, but I believe God needed you in heaven. Memories of you will forever be in our hearts and your beloved family will ever be revered by all of us at KGGOM Bro Leroy, you did well. Rest in eternal peace until we meet around God's throne in Heaven
We the members of the wings of Love outreach ministry extends our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of our depated brother and passed member of the wings of Love, outreach ministry, Mr Leroy Gumbs We thank God for the day that you became a part of this outstanding ministry that made such a huge difference in the lives of the senior citizens of Tender Loving Care residents. We believe that God said well done upon your arrival in heaven. Memories of you and of your love for the work of God will forever be in our hearts May your soul rest in peace, from all of the members of "Wings Of Love Outreach Ministry.
Bro Leroy was a man who made things happen. When I returned in 1991 to pastor our little 20x30 church in The Valley, Bro Leroy was among the early newcomers. Not only did he accept Christ as his Saviour and Lord, but he also brought his wife, his children, and several family members into the church. He made things happen.
A handful of people in a tiny church sanctuary with the vision of building a large, multifunctional sanctuary. No money, no construction crew, no godfathers in the system. But we had a God Who is over every system and He used Bro Leroy to make it happen. This brother, without receiving one cent, led the crew of six church men to do the impossible - build a beautiful, well designed sanctuary to deliver holistic ministry to the nation of Anguilla for the glory of God. His construction crew was only employed for the last four months of the construction process. Through all the highs and lows Bro Leroy showed nothing but self-sacrifice, clear vision, and love for the work of God. He made things happen.
The nature of his passing from earth to glory stunned us all - no warning, so sudden, no opportunity to prepare, to say goodbyes…But God’s faithfulness has been evidenced in the unbelievable strength his dear wife of nigh 42 years, Sis Denise, has quietly manifested. The same is true for his son, Pastor Denroy Gumbs, and all his other children and loved ones.
I wouldn’t be surprised if, upon his arrival to glory, God had an angel to sit with Bro Leroy and gently inform him that heaven’s infrastructure and mansions are all complete, and, therefore, he does need to make things happen anymore. Yet far greater than his stunned admiration for heaven’s architecture is his unbounded adoration and worship of the Lamb upon the throne.
To My Father/Dada,
They say everything happens for a reason, and some believe that time will heal. But for me, neither time nor reason can ever change the way I feel. In my heart, you will always remain, a presence that time cannot erase.The gate of memories will never close for you, because no one who meant so much will ever fade. Loved by all who knew you, you left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Even though you're gone, the love you shared and the memories we hold close are treasures that will never be forgotten.
The gate of memories will never close for you, because no one who meant so much will ever fade. Loved by all who knew you, you left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Even though you're gone, the love you shared and the memories we hold close are treasures that will never be forgotten.
Words can never fully capture the depth of my grief or the longing for you to be here with us today, just once more. I will miss you more than words can say. Forever in our hearts,
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.": (Psalm 116:15) To our beloved brother in Christ, GUMBS, whose life shone brightly with the love of God, we mourn your passing but celebrate your journey home to the heavenly Father. Your unwavering faith, infectious spirit, and dedication to serving others left an enduring legacy in our hearts. Though we grieve your absence, we find comfort in knowing you are now resting in the eternal embrace of Christ, and we look forward to reuniting with you in that glorious day to come. May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you." Your faith was without boundaries, you joined us in fasting and prayers with your wife and children during your brief stay in USA and you are committed in the things of God. THORM FAMILY, mourns your departure but we are confident that you’re not dead but lives on. Brother Gumbs, you have joined the clouds of witnesses- sleep on, till we meet to part no more! The Hour of Resurrection Ministries International Inc , send their condolences to the wife, children and grandchildren with church family!