A Beautiful Sunset Service For Arvonni Debose
- Details
- Category: Lifestyle/People
- Published: Sunday, 06 September 2015 23:48
- Written by Joycelyn Harrison Henson
by Joycelyn Harrison Henson
The funeral services for Arvonni Debose, daughter of Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill were held on Saturday, September 5th at Majestic Life Ministries on Kirkman Road. The service was presided over by Dr. Riva Tims, Pastor of Majestic Life Ministries. The eulogy was delivered by Arvonni's grandmother and pastor, Rev. Willie Bell Coleman-Smith of Bethel AME in Kissimmee, Florida.
Dressed in Arvonni's favorite colors (pink and white), the processional was led by Commissioner Hill, who was escorted by City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. She was followed by her immediate family; her sons Rakeem Hill and Omari Nembhard; and grandson Hector "Papi" Rodriguez, Jr. There were a host of other relatives in the processional from Atlanta, Georgia, Winter Garden, Ocala, and Miami, Florida. There were over 1300 people in attendance to honor Arvonni's life. Also in attendance were several local clergy, Commissioner Ings, Sheehan and Stuart; along with a number of employees from the City of Orlando.
The funeral included a video presentation, songs of praise, and resolutions and acknowledgements. Mayor Dyer and the City of Orlando declared September 5th a Day of Mourning in Arvonni's honor. There were also resolutions from area clergy, including those who participated in the service: Impact Church of Orlando (Bishop Cobaris), Mt. Sanai Missionary Baptist (Dr. Larry Mills), and The Ark Center (Rev. Kelvin Roundtree). Several local and state governmental officials sent resolutions in honor of Arvonn's life.
Internment was held at Greenwood Cemetery and the Repass was held at Northwest Community Center on WD Judge Drive.
Commissioner Hil expressed gratitude and appreciation to the community for the kind words and condolences. She also offered special thanks to, Joycelyn Henson (friend) Angela Hill (friend); Ed Love (videographer), Dr. Nina White (Majestic Life Ministries).
Arvonni had a loving spirit. Even her last act, the donations of her organs, was a thoughtful and kind demonstration. Arvonni's eyes were donated and will be used to help two individuals restore their eyesight.
Arvonni was born on December 10, 1997 and expired on August 29, 2015. She left her son, Hector Rodriguez, Jr., age 3.
Donations to a savings account setup for Hector Rodriguez, Jr. can be made at Chase Bank.