Monica Maria Masters

Monica Maria . . . Sweet Marie . . . Mummy . . . Aunt Mons . . . Grandma . . . Nana
She needed a lot of names because she was many things to many people. For some she was THE SONGSTRESS. She had the voice of a nightingale, a heavenly angel that could wrench every bit of emotion out of a song; she put her heart and soul into every note whether she made them compellingly soft and delicate or belting her signature soaring high soprano. Her voice could cause you to jump out of your seat or melt your heart and she loved to sing, especially in service to the Lord. She began singing in nightclubs, quickly making a name for herself. The next Lena Horne, but even better, some said. And soon, to no one’s surprise, an offer came. She could have it all, stardom, fame, wealth. She could be adored by millions, the sky was the limit.

But surprising everyone, she turned it down. You see she already had what she wanted. The only thing she wanted for her whole earthly life – the love of her husband, the Late Pastor Herbert Masters, and her children; then Tony and Donald, and soon to come, Edward, Anna-Maria, Karen, and Jacqueline. To Monica Maria, Sweet Marie . . . that was all she would ever need. My darling mother was utterly dedicated to her family. She would sacrifice anything for them and did. Her generosity knew no bounds. We had to be careful what we said at the dinner table as she would, without a thought, take from her plate and put on yours. I can’t remember ever sleeping alone in a bed, because our house always had extra people in it. She loved passionately, completely. She wanted so much for her children; she poured into them; pushing them when needed, disciplining them, supporting them, encouraging them, comforting them, guiding them, and ultimately, ensured their success. And we loved her. Even when she was a crucible, challenging us to be better than we were. She could be a tough critic, but always your biggest cheerleader. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her. For any who knew her, was impacted by her, I know that to be true for you too. We, none of us, would be who we are today, but for Monica Maria Masters.

One of my strongest memories of my mother is from when I was 12 years old. We were in church and she had been asked to sing. She decided that she wanted me and my younger sister Jackie to sing with her. I had never sung in front of people before and I was terrified. I started to cry. I didn’t want to do it. But she was hearing none of that. She made me get up there and we did it. The congregation loved it. That was the first of many times she made me confront my fear and move forward despite it. I don’t know where she got the indefatigable belief she imbued in me and my siblings, that no matter what, there’s always a way to make anything happen. She had to deal with many hard knocks growing up; being alienated by family members, abject poverty, betrayal, loss. But through it all, she maintained this indomitable spirit that burned fiercely, right to the very end of her life. The doctors were constantly amazed by her. I’m grateful that a part of that lives on in me and my brothers and sisters, their children and their children’s children.

This is part of the legacy of Monica Maria Masters. A legacy that also reminds us to first and foremost, serve the Lord – a legacy that tells us to embrace who we are, no apologies, to love with everything we have, to give until it hurts, to use our gifts for God’s glory, to care for those that are unable to care for themselves, to fight for the underdog, and to never, ever give up. To keep striving to be the best we can be.
She will be remembered by so many. The Couples she matched together, the many lost souls who were brought to the Lord, the hurting she comforted, the searching she guided, the homeless who were housed, by her talent, but none more than the family she leaves behind. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart.

"Tribute to Marie Master
From South Florida Gospel Church

On behalf of the Pastor and members of South Florida Gospel church, we would like to express our sympathy to the Masters family on the passing of Sis Masters who was of the first ladies of our church. She stood by her husband 100 % in everything regarding South Florida Gospel from the day her husband became our first pastor. She had a heart of gold for people; she was an encourager for both young and old and never hesitated in telling them about Christ every opportunity she got.

Distance was not an obstacle for them; every Sunday and Wednesday they would travel all the way from Miami to Fort Lauderdale to conduct worship service, bible study and visit many homes. Singing was her passion so she would always see to it that we have a presentation for Easter and Christmas. For some of us, singing was not our strong suite but when she was finish with us, the presentation was melodious and souls were blessed.

She was family oriented person and with that saying, her son (Eddie) and his family became an integral part in the church. She remained with us until her husband retired from South Florida Gospel Church. They were greatly missed by all of us.

Tribute to Marie Masters
From Caty Ricketts
I’m indeed sorry to hear of the passing of Marie but feel assured she is with her dear Herbie who preceded her 7 months ago. I first met Marie as a teenager at Calvary Gospel Assembly (The best Church) and right away our personalities clicked. You see Marie was everything I admired. She was beautiful, poised, friendly, sang melodiously a “Woman of God” as was evident in her many, many years as a Gospel Singer.
After my good friend and singing partner Valerie Payne left to pursue her nursing career in London, Elaine Philips (then Choir director) and Pastor Cole thought it ideal for me to be inducted in the “Hall of Fame”. Needless to say I was thrilled to be a part of such eminence. Thus began years of rehearsals and singing with those greats who blended as no other. They were well known all over Jamaica and abroad as well.
Marie became a good older sister who thought I was pretty but much too shy. She then began her crusade of finding me the ideal partner which never materialized (my fault). She even blamed for me allowing a certain son of Calvary to go astray. Try as I could Marie would not be convinced he never told me of his intentions although others knew.
The singing group extended to include others like Joan Jackson, Johnathan Campbell and it was tremendous. We travelled extensively throughout Jamaica along with Pastor Cole (our Chauffeur) and Herbie singing at Crusades etc. whatever the event and as long as we were invited we went.
Most Sundays after our A.M. services, I would travel with the family to Bernard Lodge for dinner returning for night service. Marie and Karen were very small then and the cutest little girls, they were my babies. Such good times. Afterwards Herbie was seconded to Arlene Gardens it was indeed a loss.
I had the joy of visiting with Marie and Herbie last year, thanks to Valerie and Carl Fairclough we shared a tremendous time. We reminisced about the old times. Marie and I tried to sing some of our old favorites. Marie did not remember me at first and asked “who is that lady?” I sat between both Marie and Herbie intermittently hugging and kissing each other. This was a time I will never forget. I didn’t know I would never see them again in this life.
To the children and immediate families please accept deepest condolences and mourn you must but such hope and love for wonderful parents like Marie and Herbie, two great “Stalwarts in the Faith”
Marie I will see you in the morning.
NB: My loss I could not be with you all at this time but rest assured you all are remembered in my prayers.
Love you all.

Respectfully
Caty Ricketts