Sister Anise Nellie Skeete, was 97 years 7 months and 25 days young, when she was called home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2018. She was born in Hyde Park, Guyana on March 20, 1921, the eldest of five children , all of whom predeceased her to Joseph and Therza Dunson. She attended several schools as the family moved often when her father was transferred to a new post.
Anise met and married Isaac Skeete in 1953. He predeceased her in 1991. Like her family, she and Uncle Isaac moved often when he too was transferred to a new post. Eventually, they settled in Tucville, South Ruimveldt. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved to crochet and was famous for making fudge , cakes and cookies.
Sister Nellie joined the South Ruimveldt Moravian Church (SRMC), Guyana, in 1969 and worshipped there until 1993 when she immigrated to the United States. While at SRMC, she was a very active member in the church. She read the scripture lessons and she was a prayer warrior. Sister Nellie was always concerned about the cleanliness of the church. She cleaned all the details including the windows, and there were many. She was the secretary and recorder of the Penny Bank . She also served as Sacristan at SRMC for many years. She was also famous for making delicious ice cream for special occasions and people came from near and far just to get a cup of the ice cream.
In 1993, shortly after arriving in the arriving in the United States of America, Sister Marcelle Veecock, a member of Fellowship and a former member of South Ruimveldt Moravian Church, introduced Sister Nellie to Fellowship Moravian Church(FMC). In Brooklyn On Several occasions, Sister Marcelle would pick up sister Nellie and bring her to church . Sister Marcelle later migrated to Las Vegas , During this time, the late Sister Leila Baird, Vice President of the Administrative Board- FMC, took over this task of bringing Sister Nellie to church until she learned to travel on the bus on her own. In December 1997, Sister Nellie reaffirmed her faith and became a member of Fellowship. She became active in the Women's Fellowship. She was later appointed Sacristan of the church and performed her duties (preparing for Sunday Communion) faithfully for nearly two decades. Sis. Nellie donated a beautifully handcrafted tablecloth made by her late sister, Olga Mahaica, for use in the communion service , held every first Sunday of the month.
Sister Nellie was a strong believer in Jesus Christ our Lord. She was a loyal and dedicated servant. She was an inspiration to everyone in the congregation. Sister Nellie was also the first person to arrive at church. She had a sharp memory and she always have her honest opinion about matters. Her favorite pastime was chatting on the phone with her church sisters and she looked forward to doing this daily. She was a good conversationalist - speaking nostalgically about "ole" times in Guyana and in the United States. Sister Nellie was an impeccable dresser, not to mention, she always wore a hat to complete her ensemble. She was admired by everyone. She would always tell members that her nieces, Corine and Collett decked her out. Something remarkable that stood out with Sister Nellie ia that she faithfully gave of her time, talent and treasure. If she was absent for a few weeks, due to inclement weather, be assured that she would bring in her tithes for those past weeks.
Anise leaves to mourn her nieces Corine who took care of her, Collett and Mary, several other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews , cousins and host of friends and other relatives specially her church family. WE will miss her, but she has left us many comforting memories that bring a smile to our faces when = we think of her.
Beloved Sister Nellie, sleep on in Jesus' arms. May your soul Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory