Neville Oliver Christie, 101, of Orlando, departed this life on Saturday, September 2, 2023. The Journey of Neville Oliver Christie, affectionately called “Pops, Papa” began in the quiet community of Bellwood, in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica West Indies, on March 16, 1922. His parents were the late Leila Blackwin and Sidney Christie. At an early age, Neville exhibited a very quiet disposition, very determined and focused. He carried these qualities to his adult life. Neville attained his Elementary education with excellence. His skills acquired in the Building and Construction Trade was gained through Apprenticeship.
In September 1955, Neville married the love of his life, the late Pearl Brodber. This happy union lasted over sixty years producing six children.
Nevillie’s professional life in Jamaica focused on the building of houses, which he enjoyed. It can be said without a doubt, he was a Professional Builder. Because of Nevillie’s fastidiousness, diligence, and devotion, his craftsmanship and attention to details, he was one of the most recommended and sought after Building Contractors in the Northern areas of Jamaica. Neville was also responsible for apprenticeship, training, and the tutelage of some of the top builders in the greater Ocho Rios area. While visiting Jamaica, Neville (Pops) will often proudly identify landmark buildings that he constructed many, many years ago,
Desiring to experience a new life, Neville (Pops), and his family, migrated to the United States of America on May 1980. Here, he was employed for a short time, but spent most of his life taking care of his grandchildren. This included walking them to and from school daily, cooking them porridge. making fried dumplings for them (as he made the best fried dumplings) and watching over them at home in Queens New York.
Neville enjoyed the games of Cricket and Baseball. His favorite Baseball Teams were the New York Yankees, and the New York Mets. He would often be up late at night watching these games to their completion. He would also have front row seat daily watching Jeopardy and The Wheel of Fortune Television Shows. He also enjoyed gardening, and could often be found in his garden tending his plants,
Neville was a deeply religious man, who lived God’s Love. His belief was everything in life happens when it should. Many stories have often been told of Nevillie’s humility, his calmness and generousity to others. He was an inspiration and role model to many and was greatly admired. The impact of Neville’s (Pops) life is more than a living legacy and will be felt for many years to come. To him, Faith and family were paramount. He loved the Lord, and demonstrated a spirit of humility, meekness, with the highest level of steadfastness, throughout his life as he preaches and lives the importance of time.
Neville Oliver Christie lived a memorable life of 101 years 5 months, 16 days. His cheerful smile along with his laughter was contagious and will always be remembered. He was a “wonderful” and altruistic patriarch, who loved, and adored his family and friends.
Left to cherish the Legacy of Neville’s, (Pops), life are his children, Rittinella, -Cecil Prince, Carole, – Errol Shrouder, Everton, Durlon, -Valerie Christie Dione, Oral, – Ornell Christie and Otis – Sharmaine Christie. Loving Grandfather to Ann-Marie, Aldean, Shane, Ava, Theana, Nicole, Malikh, Cleopatria, Kennedie, Kareif, Kelon, Omari, Malikah, Kofi, Taariq, Taahir, Trey, Toia; Loving Great-Grandfather to Quinn, Destiny, Derien, Jordan, Aleni. Faithful brother to Emily –Lambert Francis and Joan, Brother-in-Law; Uncle to many nieces and nephews; and a host of other Family and friends.
Pops will surely be missed. Rest in peace King!
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the mortuary.
A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Silver Star Christian Church, 7510 Silver Star Road, Orlando. Final services and burial will take place under the direction of Delapenha’s Funeral Services, St. Ann, Jamaica, WI.