Elfreda McPherson

The gift of life was given to Elfreda Eunice McPherson, née Thomas, on June 19, 1948, in the district of Watermount, Saint Catherine, Jamaica. Elfreda, affectionately known as Freda, Auntie Freda, Ms. Freda, or Ms. Thom, was the youngest child of Eva Jackson and the second-to-last of Washington Thomas's children. As a child, she attended the Watermount all-age school and had a quiet but mannerly disposition. She excelled academically, with her

favorite subjects being English and Penmanship. She endeavored to pursue further

educational opportunities but became pregnant with her first child. By 1968, she had her first three children, whom she loved and cared for with the help of her late mother. With limited job opportunities in her rural community, she left for Kingston to seek employment. She found employment as a Domestic worker and Office Attendant for many years while living in Kingston. During this time, she had three additional children, bringing her total to six. It was also during this time that she met her Husband, George McPherson Sr., whom she affectionately called McKie. He was her life companion for well over 40 years, until her passing.

George migrated to the USA in the 1990s, and Freda joined him sometime after, hence

beginning a new chapter of her life. She found employment in home health care, where she worked for many years, until knee pain made it impossible to continue. With some

similarities to her life back home, her life abroad was one marked by kindness, extended not only to family and friends but also to strangers. She lived out the scripture Ecclesiastes 11:1, which reads "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." She modeled doing good and making time to offer assistance to others, without expecting very much in return. She knew what it was like to struggle and never forgot the people who offered support, especially when she was a young mother. She treasured these memories, which deepened her resolve to lead with kindness, offer assistance, and pay it forward whenever she could. Her favorite song, "If I could help somebody," originally sung by Mahalia Jackson, is also a testament to how she lived and loved people.

Freda was a strong, no-nonsense parent. However, under that strictness and strength was a sweet, sensitive, and caring lady who would cry at the drop of a hat. She was a go-getter and a great matriarch of her family. She was a wonderful cook, but her husband also

enjoyed showcasing his culinary skills, so she did not have to do much of the cooking. She was also a talented home decorator and crocheter. Over the years, she shared some of her crochet pieces with friends and framed and hung other pieces in her home.

Freda loved the Lord and established membership and fellowship at the Mission of Hope Worship Center in Orlando, Florida. Whenever she was unable to attend in person, she would attend services online.

Elfreda loved to travel and experience new places and was especially excited about colder places with snow. She had plans in place to visit family out of state when persistent

discomfort led to medical news that would shatter her world. After a brief two-month battle, she accepted her invitation to rest from pain and earthly cares on February 24, 2026, at 10:26 AM. She lived fully and touched many lives.

She was also loved and cherished by many, and her memories will live on. She was

preceded in death by her parents, multiple siblings, a grandson (Carlton Gordon Jr.), and other relatives. Elfreda leaves behind to be cherished in memory and to continue her legacy: Husband, George McPherson Sr.; six children: Carlton Gordon Sr., Leonie Gordon, Devon Gordon, Nicarius Thompson, Tanyika Thompson, and George McPherson Jr.; Stepchildren, Nadine McPherson & Yvette McPherson-Price. Gwendolyn (Adassa) Leslie (only living sister).

Brothers: Gilford Thomas-Morgan (Bob) & Longford Thomas (Landy). Grandchildren: Natalee Small-Gordon, Serena Gordon, Cleon Gordon, Christine Gordon, Doreen Gordon, Natalee Gordon, Lillian Gordon, Nishan Thompson, Nijae Thompson, George (Armani) McPherson 3rd, Giovanni McPherson. Great-grandchildren: Roderick Vernal, Natalia Johnson, Rushawana Robinson, Ladain Oharo, Tavaris Oharo, Aamir Thomas, Tafari Francis, and Almando

Campbell. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and other extended family members, and dear friends.

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