Obituary of Rev. Rhoda Larmond

Biography on the life and ministry of Rhoda Larmond

John Bunyan of Pilgrim’s Progress fame wrote: “T’was a woman that washed the feet of Christ with tears, and a woman that anointed his body for the burial.” As he was led to the cross, the women wept as they followed him. They remained by his side as the body was transported to the sepulcher where he was laid to rest. On the resurrection morning a woman was given the good news that he had risen from the dead. Women therefore; are highly favoured.

Rhoda Mildred McKenzie was born on June 12, 1919 to the late Ethelbert McKenzie and Gemima Roper in Elgin Town, Hanover, Jamaica. She was the only girl among 3 brothers. She attended Claremont Elementary School, John’s Hall Elementary School, Carron Hall Vocational School and dressmaking school in Lucea, Hanover.

In June 1939, Rhoda accepted Christ as her lord and Savior. In describing her conversion, she said, “It was a Friday night that I entered a Bamboo Booth where people had gathered for worship. While there, I saw a small child manifesting in the spirit. I said to myself, if God can use a child in this manner, what about me?” That night she went to the altar and surrendered her life to Christ.

The news of her conversion was not taken well by her mother. Her mother was very angry with her and the news was met with immediate resistance. Her mother was a member of the local Presbyterian church and opposed her affiliation with the Church of God. Her mother would often hide her clothes to prevent her from going to church. However, after many years of fasting and prayers for her mother, her attitude changed. Her mother’s heart was eventually softened and she accepted Christ.

Rhoda became an active member of the Elgin Town New Testament Church of God. She served in various positions such as Sunday school teacher, Superintendent and Lay preacher.

She later married Algie Larmond. She has two living children, Ruth and Orrett. Over the years she has fostered many children in the villages/towns whose families were very poor and needed assistance. She was a mother to so many, young and old alike.

In 1947, she received her exhorter’s certificate and two years later, she was appointed assistant pastor of Claremont church. In 1951, she entered full-time ministry.  Rhoda initially served as lead pastor for Mount Stewart and McField churches. In 1952, she became a licensed evangelist and was transferred to Williamsfield where she labored until 1960.

After leaving Williamsfield, she served in Bluefields until 1962. She served in her last pastoral role at her home church in Elgin Town until her migration to Canada on April 2^nd, 1970. Shortly after arriving in Canada, she was invited to worship at the Broadview location of the West Toronto Church of God. During this time, she served as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, Ladies Ministry president and choir member. She has remained a steadfast member of the church until her death.

After the church moved to its new location at Halton Street she continued her faithful service to her king. She is recognized as a Mother of Zion, counsellor, teacher, preacher, prayer warrior, a strong advocate and active participant in the mission programs. At the age of 90, she felt the call to join the African mission project with a planned visit to Uganda. It was there among the orphans where she encountered as she witnessed their daily hardship, that her personal mission was born. The Lord gave her a vision to build an orphanage and a well for easy access to drinking water. With the help and support of the local churches, friends and family, this vision became a reality. She was blessed to make a second trip to Uganda participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the orphanage. Mother Larmond’s exemplary life and Christ-like qualities serves as a source of inspiration to the body of Christ. She firmly believed that if she attended whole heartedly to the things of God; he would provide a way to fulfill his word.

In May of 2019, she suffered a stroke and was bedridden thereafter.  On June 12, she was to celebrate her 100^th birthday. Although not being able to move her side or walk, she firmly believed that God would allow her to celebrate her birthday and that she did. Rhoda was able to leave the hospital for a few short hours and celebrated at West Toronto with family and friends. On June 7, at 6pm the Lord called Mother Larmond home, just 5 days prior to her 106^th birthday.

Rhoda was preceded in death by her siblings, Simon Mckenzie, George Stephens and Euriel Stephens.

She is survived by her daughter Ruth, son Orrett, Rose and Omario Angel, grandson Andre Brooks, nephews Derrick and Calton Mckenzie, nieces Euth Crooks and Angela Stephens-Williams, (Errol) grandnieces/nephews Niketa (Jonathan) and Christian, Amanda and Alan Crooks, great grandnephews Jeremiah and Nathan. Sisters in law Beryl Stephens, Ualda Stephens and cousin, Henry Atkinson.

Caregivers: Joan Brooks, Valda Steele, Cloverlyn Anderson, Geraldine Roberts, Karon Foster, and Pamela Scott-Sybliss. Bayshore Nursing Services, Acclaim Health, Homewells Senior Care, Paramed and Care Partners.

The Lord has called home a faithful worker who served with the lord courageously, with a passionate zeal and unwavering love for her Savior. She has fulfilled her duties in his vineyard and now rests in his arms. 

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first”. 1 Thessalonian 4:16.

SPECIAL THANKS

Caregivers: Joan Brooks, Valda Steele, Cloverlyn Anderon, Geraldine Roberts, Karon Foster, and Pamela Scott-Sybliss. Bayshore Nursing Services, Acclaim Health, Homewells Senior Care, Paramed and Care Partners.