“Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3
Hilda Jane Preville was born Dec. 27, 1929, in Butler’s Village Nevis, West Indies, to the late Albert and Dorcas Jeffers. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Due to declining health, she relocated to Sorrento, Fla., in 2018. Her family and her faith were her top priorities. She was known throughout the island for her courage, kindness and helping others.
To know Hilda was to love her. She was a friend to many and would give you the shirt off her back. She never met a stranger; everyone was welcome to take a rest on her porch. The 23rd Psalm was her favorite reading. Surrounded by her family and lots of love, on Nov. 1, heaven gained a most precious soul.
She was preceded in death by husbands: James Henry and Gabriel Preville; father and mother: Albert and Dorcas Jeffers; siblings: James aka Manish Jeffers, Elvira Swanston, Tryphina Brandy, Charles and Joseph Jeffers.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her children: Elroy Jeffers, Myrna Hamilton, Yvette (Edwin) Smith, Marie (Melville) Francis, Calvin Henry and Jasmine (Steven) Boone; her brother, Ambrose Jeffers; and grandchildren: Vonetta Hamilton, Edwin Smith Jr., Cyril (Diana) Smith, Whitney Smith, Chantel Boone, Travis Henry, Morgan Henry-Robinson, Keyana Boone and Alexius Henry.
She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Nijah, Yonathon, Cayla, Jha’nei, Zabraya, Tatyana, Zacarias, Ava, Zion and Olivia; special niece, Pauline Collins; special friend, Gladys Gilchrist, who was like a sister to her; other dear friends: Corrine Jones, Wenceline Hall, Asta Lang, Elaine Mars, Merlin Taylor and Elaine Williams; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends too numerous to mention.
The viewing will be from 9:00 – 9:55 a.m. prior to Mass. Mass will be held in honor of Hilda’s life, at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov, 30, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Estate Castle Coakley 38-44, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820, under the direction of Rev. Fr. Alric H. Francis Sr. Interment will immediately follow at Kingshill Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health regulations, all attendees must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
