Celebrating the Life and Legacy of
Jean Elizabeth Warrick Toomer
SUNRISE: AUGUST 10, 1929
SUNSET: MARCH 10, 2021
Homegoing Service SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021 • 12:10 PM NEW BIRTH BAPTIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL OF FAITH INTERNATIONAL 2300 NW 135TH STREET • MIAMI, FLORIDA 33167 BISHOP VICTOR T. CURRY, FOUNDING SENIOR PASTOR/TEACHER BISHOP DR. DAVID W. HUGHES, Sr. PRESIDING
BISHOP VICTOR T. CURRY, FOUNDING SENIOR PASTOR/TEACHER BISHOP DR. DAVID W. HUGHES, Sr. PRESIDING
Order of Service Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NBBC Celebration of Life Choir Words of Grace and Greeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Dr. Sabrina Adams Invocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Dr. Sabrina Adams Scripture: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Dr. Ingrid Bethune Lamentations 3:22-26 Praise and Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NBBC Celebration of Life Choir Reflections As a Friend. . . . Dr. Barbara Soniat As a Mentor . . . Towanda Brown As a Great-Grandmother “Mama” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eron Mensah As a Grandmother “Mama” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Nia Mensah/Jessica Watkins Dance As a Mother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ellis and Diana Burks As a Mother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Toomer Expressions of Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debra Toomer Video Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 YEARS –“Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant” Herstory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Read In Silence) Song of Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apostle Precious Hughes Words of Celebration and Assurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Dr. David W. Hughes, Sr. The Breath of Life International Faith Ministry 4035 SW 18th Street Hollywood, Florida 33023 Invitation to Discipleship Prayer of Thanksgiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Sandra Demby Let the Church Say Amen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NBBC Celebration of Life Choir Recessional . . . . . . . . . . .“Goin’ Up a Yonder” . . . . . . . . . . . NBBC Celebration of Life Choir
Jean Elizabeth Warrick Toomer
Jean Elizabeth Warrick Toomer was born in Savannah, Georgia, to the late John Harrison Warrick and Esther Snowden Warrick on August 10, 1929. Her brother Alan died not long after birth and brother John preceded her in death in 1997. Jean grew up with strong Christian values, knowing her Savior, Jesus Christ at an early age as well as learning the value of education and the rich culture, history, challenges and resilience of Blacks in the South. She attended the Alice Freeman Palmer Memorial Institute, in Sedalia, North Carolina, from 8th grade through high school and graduated as valedictorian. There she not only gained solid instruction, Jean also met and gleaned from African American icons, including Mary McLeod Bethune and Nat King Cole. Jean earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in government at Howard University in Washington, DC where she also pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. While at Howard, Jean worked in the office of the President and received high honors. It was also at Howard that she met her life partner, Clarence D. Toomer. They were married on December 27, 1950 and shared more than 66 years of a love-filled journey. Jean and Clarence remained in DC during which time Clarence embarked on an empowering career spanning 35 years at National Security Agency (NSA) as a senior cryptologist, and Jean thrived as a devoted wife and mother. Her dedicated love and nurturing of her family and friends, particularly her children served to propel each of them to dream, soar, and serve. Given the opportunity to experience life “more abundantly,” through an NSA special assignment, from 1960 to 1964, Clarence and Jean along with young children Debra, Douglas and David moved to Herzogenaurach, Germany. Often the only family of color, Jean instilled the value of community and diversity in her children as well as those whom she met along the way. The Germany life-changing experience was heightened with the joyous arrival of twins Diana and Donna weeks before Clarence’s tour ended and the family returned to Washington, DC. Jean and Clarence then focused on selecting a home and community given the growth in the family. With much prayer, Clarence’s skills as an established realtor, along with Jean’s ongoing support, the family was blessed to build a custom home in the new “planned city” of Columbia, Maryland. In 1968, The Toomer family moved from DC to Columbia, and Howard County has never been the same. While continuing her main vocation as wife and mom, Jean also dedicated her life to her career that spanned from 1969 through 1990. She was Director of the city’s Community Services for the Columbia Association, (CA), and became President of the Family Life Center where she was instrumental in establishing the first before-and after-school programs for children of working parents, as well as providing services for senior citizens and developing a program for low-income residents to earn CA memberships. Passionate about civil and human rights, Jean successfully served as Administrator of the Office of Human Rights from February 1979 through April 1990. She did her best to hold Columbia accountable to the founder’s vision of this planned city becoming “the Next America.” Jean, a true activist, was integrally involved in grass roots projects to improve the lives of people throughout Howard County. She founded the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center at Howard Community College and was actively involved in the local N.A.A.C.P., Human Rights Commission, and Community Building. After retiring, Jean was invited to join The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County (TCOE) and helped to expand its purpose to include advocacy for families. Jean chaired the Black Student, Family and Community Network, as well as other committees. Jean was committed to interweaving the Black experience into the Howard County curriculum having it recognized all year, not just during Black History month. Her legacy lives on through various members of TCOE who continue to carry the torch to make a difference in the Black Community. In addition to her other contributions to the community, Jean was Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the
African Art Museum of Maryland and was asked to speak at several prominent events throughout Howard County and beyond, including the Martin Luther King, Jr, celebration in 1999. She was named as one of Maryland’s Most Beautiful People in 1994 and was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2000, Jean was honored with a Humanitarian Award by the Community Action Council. All of Jean’s accomplishments are too numerous to list here, yet her impact on her community, colleagues, young people, senior citizens, caregivers, family, and friends is immeasurable and a continuing tribute to a life well lived. Jean and Clarence enjoyed vacationing at the beach and going on cruises, always reflecting on God’s goodness and mercies during beautiful sunrises and sunsets. After enjoying wonderful visits to Florida and the Caribbean for many years, in 2015, they relocated to South Florida. Jean continued to share the love, peace and power of God; the importance of community; the significance and value of contributions made by people of color with all whom she met along the way at the Carlisle in West Palm Beach and The Vi of Aventura. She also shared her love for floral arrangements and often presented flowers to other residents or members of the community “just because” or for “no special occasion.” Always rooted and grounded in the Word of God, Jean established and retained a spiritual connection with members of the Clergy whom God placed in her life. She faithfully supported the ministries covering her children, always recognizing the importance of each of them maintaining their personal relationship with the Lord while serving and growing. Jean served as an advisor and mentor to many, always offering encouragement and hope. Affectionately known as “Mama Jean” or “Mom” by so many, she was instrumental in each of her family member’s relationship with our Savior, often sharing devotional moments, praise and worship experiences, always rejoicing that each had a personal relationship with Him. She served at Hopkins United Methodist Church and worked to enhance the ministry’s effectiveness in representing Jesus Christ. Jean was instrumental in getting a Christian church service added to the activities at The Vi, a life-changing accomplishment of eternal value. Most recently, Jean served and thrived under The Breath of Life International Faith Ministry with passion until God called her home. She often said, “One person can make a difference, . . . but no one person can do it all.” Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clarence, in 2017, and by her beloved son, Douglas, in 1985. Jean leaves to celebrate her life and legacy; children: Debra Toomer, Jeanette Toomer, David Toomer (Jay), Diana Burks (Ellis), and Donna Watkins (Derrick); grandchildren: Nia (Loyan), Lisa, Davianne (Brandon), Rachel, Gabriellle, Alysa, Danielle, Haley, and Jessica; great grandchildren: Eron, Avery, Emerson, Sarai, and Aryana; Nephew: Alan Warrick (Clara), and great nephews, Alan II, Everett, and Thurman (Trey); Nieces: Ingrid (Eddy), Cynthia, LaToiya (Anthony), Beverly, Stephanie (Thurman), Juanette, and Melanie; great nieces: Shakirah, Whitney, Blayr, Jessica, Skyler; Cousin: Ivy Morris; Sister-in-love; Nettie Toomer Council; “Sisters:” Geraldine Dorsey, Julia B. Gilbert, and Gwen Davis; “Daughters:” Towanda Brown, Pat Branner-Pierce, Gail Seay, Cheryle Downer, Sylvia McKinson, Pauline Green, Joan Cherisea, Donna Johnson, Atoya Thompson, Cindy Walton, and Kim McCray, along with a host of family and church members, friends, and community colleagues too numerous to name. We will always treasure Jean Toomer in our hearts and minds as we celebrate her life with peace, joy, and the blessed assurance that we too will join her in our Heavenly home.
Always remember our beloved Jean by helping others and by serving the God whom she loves and worships eternally.
We, the family of Jean Elizabeth Warrick Toomer express our gratitude for your generous expressions of sympathy, love and support during this time. Your prayers, cards, calls, donations to non-profit organizations and other acts of kindness continue to comfort and sustain us through this season. We are grateful to each of you as we will forever treasure and celebrate our beloved Jean!
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO
GREGG L. MASON FUNERAL HOME 10936 NE 6th Avenue • Miami, FL 33161 TEL. 305.757.9000 • WWW.GLMASON.COM
Maryland Celebration PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO
HOWELL FUNERAL HOME 10220 Guilford Rd. • Jessup, MD 20794 • 301.604.0101
Interment
COLUMBIA MEMORIAL PARK COLUMBIA, MARYLAND
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