Word Time Ministries of Jamaica’s Member passes away

Word Time Ministries of Jamaica’s Member passes away

Ministry faces double loss of family members over one weekend

August 31, 2010
By Michael Schurton and Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman

The Word Time Ministries of Jamaica family is deeply saddened to announce the death of Zipporah Burnett, a faithful Word Time Ministry Member who passed away over the weekend. Zipporah died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 28, 2010 in St. Catherine, Jamaica.

In his reaction to the news, Chairman of the Ministry Michael Schurton J.P. said that he was greatly saddened by the news of Zipporah Burnett’s sudden passing. “It is with much sadness that I learnt of the passing of Sister Zipporah Burnett. She was a longtime member of our ministry who faithfully worked for the ministry and the Spanish Town Apostolic Faith Church. She was always so kind and considerate to others and I always welcomed seeing her at the various Ministry events.” He added “at the recently concluded 10th Annual Sports Championships, Zipporah worked so hard in preparing the gears for the athletes and also in the cleaning of the grounds at the end of Sports Champs. I invite members of the Ministry and those who knew her to join me in remembering the life and work of Zipporah Burnett. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and many friends, both the Word Time Ministries family and the Spanish Town Apostolic Faith Church family.” Chairman Schurton added also that Zipporah was dedicated to her family. “As a mother and grand mother Zipporah worked hard to provide for her family and gave that all the love and care possible”.

Zipporah Burnett was born on May 23, 1956 in Kingston, Jamaica at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Zipporah was a member of the ministry for several years during which she served as a member of the Ministry’s Hospitality Team. She is survived by daughter Debbie Cobourne, sons Orette Cobourne & Dane Cobourne, grand daughter Rhio-Sheree Lawrence, grand son Akia Cobourne, close family friend Richard Lawrence, former President of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.

The Chairman also expressed sadness in the news of the passing of the brother of Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman’s husband. Trevesa’s husband also lost his brother over the weekend. He had epilepsy and hadn't been able to function by himself but it seems he developed a complication on Saturday and passed away.

Michael Schurton in expressing his sympathies for the brother of Trevesa’s husband shared “we hope that your wonderful memories of him will bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time.”

The Word Time family is being asked to remember Trevesa and her husband, Debbie, Orette & the rest of the family as well as the members of the Spanish Town Apostolic Faith Church family in your prayers during this hour of need.

Chairman Schurton also stated that both these families need our support at this time. “While we remain saddened in hearing this news we must bring comfort to the families. Please lift up our brothers and sisters in your fervent prayers. I ask you. I entreat you. I urge you please continue to pray for one another.”

Funeral arrangements are being made and will be communicated to members of the Ministry as soon as the families have finalized plans. Tentative date for the service for the life of Zipporah Burnett is set for Saturday, September 18, 2010.