Adassa Jerusha McKay

Adassa Jerusha Beckford McKay, 98, known affectionately as “GrannyBee,” was born and raised in Clarendon, Jamaica and passed away of natural causes at home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 28, 2024. From humble beginnings, attending Rosewell Primary School, in Clarendon, Jamaica—GrannyBee, a self-taught learner, a visionary, a pathbreaker, an innovator, a pioneer, a fearless leader, a queen warrior, and an explorer left her home country during the period of the Windrush Generation traveling to South Norwood, London. With singular determination and entrepreneurial charisma, GrannyBee set out to make a better life for herself and family. She worked at the Mayday Hospital in Thornton Heath as a nutritional aide. On September 28, 1963, Adassa Jerusha Beckford married Vincent McKay at the South Norwood Methodist Church in Croydon, South London, England. After a decade of living in the UK, and with the promise of new opportunities awaiting in a new country—America, she settled in the Williamsbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. At the Hebrew Home for the Aged, she worked in housekeeping, and as an entrepreneur. On November 1, 1978, GrannyBee became a citizen of the United States. Butler Memorial United Methodist Church recognized her contributions to Woman's Day on November 12, 1978. A restless mover and shaker, GrannyBee later moved to Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, where she resided for over thirty years. Her favorite saying—”Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, for as long as you can,” is the phrase seared into our memories. To come into the orbit of GrannyBee, is to be touched and surrounded by her love, generosity, care, a welcoming home to all, comforting and belly-filling cooked meals, and a drive to always help others in need. This she did as the banker, managing the pardner for decades, helping people to reach their aspirations. To come into her orbit, is to see her bedecked in the choicest gold jewelry and bangles, is to know her feisty, playful spirit and the ability to hold court—as the matriarch of five generations. GrannyBee's one-word zingers and comebacks are legendary. No one could compete with her quick-witted responses, banter and exchanges. It was her ability to do it with such immediacy and precision, that left us all filled with laughter observing the sheer awe of her talent. At the time of GrannyBee’s passing on December 28, she is predeceased by her father Reuben Beckford and mother Wilhel Goffe. GrannyBee was the last surviving sibling of her sisters Olive Bailey, Emily Beckford, Clarissa Johnson, and Estrey Beckford, and her brother Gilbert Beckford. She is also predeceased by her grandson Patrick Broomfield and great granddaughter Nicole Laveyssieres. GrannyBee is survived by her children Evelyn Broomfield and Justin Dixon. Her grandchildren Jacqueline Stultz-Smith, Audrey Farrier, Conrad Broomfield, Beverley Laveyssieres, Mark Broomfield, Paul Anthony Dixon, Nadia Charles, Justin Dixon, Jr., Justina Dixon, Kayla Dixon, and 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends across the Jamaican diaspora.

Adassa Jerusha McKay

May 29, 1928 - December 28, 2024