Clementina Whilby

With heavy hearts and deep love, we share the passing of our beloved Clementina Elizabeth Smart Whilby, lovingly known as Miss Shirley, Mama, Mom, and Grama. She departed this life on January 10, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on May 5, 1940, in St. Thomas, Jamaica, West Indies, Miss Shirley lived a life rooted in faith, sacrifice and unconditional love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was our foundation, our guide, and our prayer warrior; a woman whose strength was quiet but unwavering.

Her home was a place of warmth, discipline, laughter and constant prayer. No matter the time or circumstance, Mama always made space to pray for and with family, friends and even strangers. Her faith shaped generations and her love wrapped everyone who entered her presence.

She leaves behind her children, Veronica Rose, Marlene Denton, Barbara Whilby, Sylvia Whilby, and the late Annette Dawkins; sons Anthony Patterson, Lorenzo Whilby, Christopher Whilby; and her step-children Lorna, Vincent, Shenika and Montrez. She is also lovingly remembered by forty-nine (49) grandchildren, fifty-one (51) great-grandchildren, two (2) great-great-grandchildren, her brother Beres Smart, other relatives and extended family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Sylvester Whilby; her mother, Doris Elizabeth Dawkins Tomlinson, father Eustace Smart and her brother, Lloyd Smart.

Though we grieve deeply, we give thanks for the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind one of faith, resilience and love. She will forever live in our hearts as our Mama, our Grama and our prayer warrior.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at Highland Funeral Home.