Daphne Joycelyn Massiah was born on 19 October 1940, in Anns Grove Village, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. She lived in the United States for ove-r 39 years. Daphne worked at Rockefeller University until her retirement in 2004. Despite her busy life, she always made the time to visit family and friends in her homeland, Guyana.

Daphne was a strong advocate for Early Childhood Education. After receiving her Teaching Certificate, she founded a kindergarten school in Moraballi Street, Retrieve Linden. After relocating to Silvertown, she established another kindergarten school which was her home-base until she immigrated to the United States in 1979.
Daphne will be dearly missed by her children Coleen Massiah-Traore, Carolyn Massiah, Carla Massiah, Graydon Massiah Jr., Carlotta Brown, her sons-in-law Mouloukou Traore and Curtis Brown, her 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, her sisters Charlotte (Auntie Eugie) Headley, Beryl Dundas, and her brothers Samuel Olton and Calvin Gravesande, her sisters-in-law Annie Olton, Valerie (Pinky) McAndrew, Monica Massiah, Nadine Dundas, Aulda Jones, Maylene Massiah, and Juliet Massiah, and her brothers-in law Lancelot (uncle Pats), Aubrey, Percy, Roy, Autrey, Garfield, and Terrance Massiah.
Daphne was the daughter of the late William and Eula Gravesande, wife of the late Graydon Massiah and Jerome Doobay, and sister of the late Eurannie Williams, and Norma Olton-Rover.

As a strong believer in Jehovah’s love, Daphne studied His word and demonstrated her commitment through baptism by water on 17 July 2006. She diligently shared Jehovah’s word door-to-door. After her health declined, she shared His word by phone, and to anyone she encountered. Daphne was a life-long learner and continued studying Jehovah’s word by Teleconferencing into service on Thursdays and Sundays.

Daphne was kind and loving. She was a mother, sister, auntie, and friend to all. She was affectionately known by many as Teacher Daphne, Sister Daphne, and Auntie Daphne. Daphne was always willing to help others and demonstrated her love, caring, and kindness by taking several people into her home when they did not have a home.
Daphne was blessed beyond measure. Jehovah allowed her to fully appreciate her last sunrise. As she peacefully looked out of the window on the morning of July 13, 2018, she remarked, “Jehovah is Great! I saw the most beautiful sunrise this morning.”
Daphne Joycelyn Massiah is now at rest, as she awaits Jehovah’s resurrection.

Affiliations

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