On October 24, 1937, Ida May and James Elliott welcomed their first daughter, Plumis Genetta Elliott. She was born in Roseland, St. Elizabeth, on the Island of Jamaica. She was a beautiful, happy, and cheerful baby. Plumis attended the Ballard's Valley Elementary School; she later pursued courses in sewing. She also assisted her parents with the grocery store and bakery operation. It was during this time she met her future husband.
On February 19, 1961, Plumis married the love of her life, the late Ronald Stephenson. The two were like "peas in a pod," and their union lasted 54 years. Shortly after her marriage, they relocated from St. Elizabeth to live in Kingston. During her years in Kingston, she enjoyed her role as a homemaker. Her passion for cooking and baking came naturally; her gourmet dishes and recipes were the family's favorite holidays.
Although she could not have children of her own, she took pride in nurturing her younger siblings. At four years old, she took her baby sister, Gene, and raised her in Kingston until she was 16 years old. Later on, Deluxe, Cheron, and her niece Tanya joined Kingston to further their studies.
She passionately enjoyed designing and sewing custom dresses for her siblings in her past time; these dresses were out lavishly glamorous one would think a "famous fashion designer made it." While living in Kingston, she attended Bethany Fellowship and was a faithful choir member.
In September of 1973, Plumis migrated to the United States and lived in Boston, Massachusetts. Her late husband joined her within a year, and they both made Boston their home. She worked at the Museum of Science then transitioned to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Santa Maria Hospital. While working at the hospital, Plumis had an accident that forced her into early retirement. After recuperating, she traveled intermittently to Jamaica with her husband to build their retirement home. Later on, her husband retired, and they both returned to Jamaica to live in their beautiful home.
Plumis was a staunch and faithful woman of God. She had a zeal for sharing the word of God, and in all her letters to her siblings, you can be sure to find scriptures and encouragements. Plumis traveled back and forth to the United States until her husband passed away. Her trips to Jamaica were limited as her health was declining. While in Jamaica, they became members of the Bethel Gospel Chapel in Southfield, St. Elizabeth.
During the last 11 years, Plumis and her deceased husband resided with Ms. Hopa Bailey in Randolph, Massachusetts, who eventually became their caregiver. Ms. Hope provided exceptional care, love, attention, and affection. She treated them like her second parents, went above and beyond to ensure they were comfortable, and met all their needs. They both attended the Destiny Molders Church in Randolph, Massachusetts, where they developed a loving relationship with Pastor Olantunji's family and a passionate relationship with the Lord.
There were times she traveled with them to Jamaica. When Plumis called her family members, she referred to Ms. Hope as "Mama." Plumis loved and cherished her extended family and was delighted to spend time with her grandson Kaleb. She also spent hours conversing with her granddaughters Kiana and Tremaine and devoted countless hours in conversation with her sister Janice.
In June of 2021, Plumis developed Bilateral Carotid Stenosis, which had multiple strokes. Her resilience, strength, and courage amazed everyone as she survived two critical surgical procedures and two Post-stroke, which exacerbated her illness and significantly deteriorated her health. On February 18, 2022, she succumbed to disease and died peacefully at the rehabilitation center in Randolph, Massachusetts. Though absent from the body, she will live in our hearts forever.
Plumis will be remembered for her infectiously charming spirit and her unflinching exuberance. She was loving, kind, and caring to her siblings and always took great care of her family. She is survived by Hopa Bailey, who she affectionately adores. Stepson, Dr. Locksley Stephenson; siblings: Milton, Winston, Deluxe, Gene, and Janis, a host of nephews, nieces, in-laws, cousins, extended family, and friends. Grandchildren: Kaleb, Kiana, Tremaine, great-grandchildren, Kanaan, and Annalise. She is preceded in death by her sister Cheron and her brother Vin.
Plumis, you have fought the good fight, you have finished your race, you have kept the faith waiting to see God's Face. "We cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see, but all is well Thee does that." May your soul rest in peace and light perpetually shines upon it.
As we close, let us cherish the words of Hopa Bailey, “Sleep on Mamma, and take your rest. We all love you, but Jesus loves you best.”
Viewing Hours will be on Sunday March 6, 2022 from 3-6 PM in the Joseph Russo Funeral Home located at 814 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, Ma. Burial will be at a later date.