Ruth Warner

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ruth Fernella Warner affectionately called Fernie, Ruthie on May 20th, 2025. She was born on the island of Antigua on Friars Hill Estate on August 27th, 1935. Fernie was the last child for William Warner and Sarah Blake Warner. She resided at Bryson Street, Villa Area, St John’s Antigua with her lifelong partner Amos Joseh and her kids until she immigrated to the USA in the 80’s. She resided in Queens NY then relocated to Kissimmee Florida in 2015 until her death. She attended the Center Well Senior Centre at 3185 W Vine St, 34741 until covid hit. At a very young age she was very outspoken and worked hard for a living from picking cotton in the cotton fields to selling her sugar cakes, sweety tray and soft drinks to support her family. Fernie would rise at the crack of dawn 3 am in the morning to start her day. This practice she kept until her unfortunate fall that landed her in the hospital on November 30th, 2024. Fernie lived her life in service of her fellowman. She was the mother of ten kids, two proceeded her in death, but she would still find the time to care for the kids she met even bringing them into her home. Her son Pastor Clement Joseph would speak of how we would go to sleep with our brothers and sisters in the house but wake up with another 123 and the numbers keep on going up strangers to us who became family. We her kids would watch her and try to figure out how she could feed 9 kids because one died as a baby and still find a way to feed so much more people. There was a time in her young life when one of the young mothers felt overwhelmed with the birth of a new son. She went to Fernie and asked if she watched the child while she travelled into town. She returned 24 years later. Fernie raised that child as her own ensuring that her children call him brother. Her son Eustace spoke of a time when he broke his leg and Fernie did not have money for a taxi. She loaded him on her back and off she went some 4 miles uphill to take her son to the hospital. Fernie was famous for her advice telling her kids “Na Tek up nothing for no body”, “Work fu wa you want”. Her grandchildren were also certain to get her advice also. Her last advice to one of the doctors in the hospital was “don’t go marrying no gold-digging woman” to the women she would also give advice telling them to watch who you pick up. Another saying she would always say whatever you do “put God first”. Fernie ensured her children had good morals, respect and good values. To always be of service to their fellowman and be respectful to their elders Fernie, enjoyed life to the fullest, ensuring her kids celebrate her birthday every year by asking everyone what they were doing for her birthday when the time was close to hand. When that day came, she would dance the night away. She would dance and challenge everyone young and old to outdo her. She would dance like a spring chicken. Fernie challenged one of her grandkids to exercise a few weeks before her fall by telling him to touch his toes because he could not and she could. We honor her life by celebrating her life as she would want always telling us don’t cry over her or cry behind her when she passes. She would always say “Live life”.

Ruth Warner

August 27, 1935 - May 20, 2025