Imogene

Baxter

IMOGENE BAXTER

The final chapter in the life of Imogene Baxter was written on Friday September 30, 2022, when God in his infinite wisdom and mercy gently closed her eyes, allowing her to sleep for a while, hoping to meet her again at his second coming.

Imogene Baxter was born on February 5, 1942 in Salem St. Ann Jamaica to her loving parents, the late Eva Tucker and Labon James.  She is the youngest of 8 siblings for her mother and the 7th of ten for her father. Both her parents predeceased her. Imogene grew up and attended the Mount Liberty All Age School in Beckford Kraal and the Thompson Town Secondary School, both in Clarendon Jamaica. While at the Thompson Town Secondary school, she developed an interest in sewing and eventually majored in the skill of dress making.

In 1964, Imogene met the love of her life, the late Alfred Baxter and in 1969 they were joined together in holy matrimony. This union produced one child together, Cynthia, however they had a blended family of five children Samuel, Ruth, Martin, Cynthia, Gregory and one adopted son, Hugeton, whom she loved and treated like her very own all of whom reside in NJ. Imogene and her husband, in search of employment, traveled to the Cayman Islands, where she was employed as a live-in babysitter for two children. This job lasted for a while, however in 1979, she and her husband migrated to the United States where they were welcomed with open arms by their friends' The Bailey's" in hopes of providing a better life for their children. She soon obtained jobs as a live-in helper to children and eventually was employed as a nursing assistant at the Bristol Manor Nursing Home in Rochelle Park.

Surrounded by family and friends, Imogene's love for God began to grow. Her inquisitive mind led her to begin studying the Bible and the teachings and principles of the Seventh-Day Adventist faith. Being fully convinced and convicted of what to do, she soon became through baptism a member of the First SDA church in Teaneck where she loved and served as a deaconess and usher.

In 1995, Imogene's life took a downward turn as she suffered a debilitating stroke while at work which left her no other option than to leave her job for good. Imogene saw this as an opportunity to strengthen her relationship with God, spend time with the ones she loved, and to sharpen her skills as a "Master Cook" for all to come and enjoy. Despite the hardships caused by the stroke, her faith in God NEVER wavered. She stood firm and believed that God had a bigger purpose for her life and that her assignment on earth was not yet completed.

In September 2021, Due to the flood waters of Ida, Imogene devastatingly had to evacuate her home and was entrusted to the care of the nurses at Care One nursing home facility in New Milford. Many of her family members, church family, and friends would visit and play bingo with her all while encouraging her and supporting her faith in the Lord. Although a fighter for many years, Imogene suddenly departed this life on September 30.

Imogene is predeceased in death by her loving husband Alfred Baxter, and two of her sons, Samuel and Martin.  Left to cherish her memories are her other children Cynthia , Ruth and Gregory, son in law Oven ( John) , her twenty-six (26) grandchildren, twenty-nine (29) great-grandchildren, 2 sisters Ina and Dorrie, 2 brothers Bibsi and Franklin ( Owen), a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

Imogene Baxter, lovingly known as Miss Bibby, Darling, Mommy, Grandma and Aunt B, you have fought a good fight, you have kept the faith. Your purpose on this earth is now complete, so until that great resurrection day, sleep on and take your rest.