Newton's Celebration of Life

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OFFICIATING CLERGY Dr. Sean C. Dowding, Pastor, First Seventh-day Adventist Church of White Plains (FWPCenter.org) Dr. Ainsworth Joseph, Ministerial Director, Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Dr. Samuel Blair, Pastor, Mamre Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor Anthony Crawford, Danbury-Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor Wisler D’Haiti, Gethsemane and Danbury Community Seventh-day Adventist Churches Pastor Kyran Leo John, Queensborough Seventh-day Adventist Church/IMPACCT7 Streaming Ministry Dr. Stephen L. Williams, Sr., Senior Pastor, Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church Order of Service Prelude Processional ……………………………………………………………… Clergy & Family Opening Song Jesus Paid It All Opening Prayer …………………………………………………………. Dr. Ainsworth Joseph, Ministerial Director, Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Greeting/Welcome……………………………………………………. Dr. Sean Dowding, Pastor First SDA Church of White Plains (FWPCenter.org) Greetings/Remarks……………………………………………...…… Dr. Ainsworth Joseph, Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Remarks …………………………………………………….…………… Pastor Kyran Leo John, Queensborough SDA Church/IMPACCT7, Inc., Streaming Ministry Scripture Reading ……… John 3:16/Rev 21:1-4 …………….. Isaac Newton Howson-Banks, Grandson Musical Tribute Video Eden’s Touch Prayer of Comfort ……………………………………………………… Dr. Stephen L. Williams, Sr., Hope SDA Church Remarks…………………………………………………………………….. Elder Floyd Mitchell, Jamaica SDA Church Tributes and Reflections…………………………………………….. Elder Carlos Thomas Maxine Legall Elder Ewart Carter Rosemarie Lombardi Elder Lanslott Peart Elder Dalbert Watson 2

Order of Service Acknowledgments………………………………………………………. First White Plains Clerk Ministry Musical Tribute…………………………………………………………. Errol “Jack” Martin Obituary…………………………………………………………………… Seidia Bernard, Esq. Prayer of Comfort ………………………………………………………. Dr. Samuel Blair, Mamre SDA Church Meditation Song In the Morning When I Rise Homily……………………………………………………………………… Dr. Sean Dowding, First SDA Church of White Plains (FWPCenter.org) Prayer of Comfort……………………………………………………… Pastor Anthony Crawford, Danbury-Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church Closing Song There is a Fountain Filled with Blood . Elder Carlos Thomas Instructions……………………………………………………………… Funeral Directors Closing Prayer………………………………………………………….. Pastor Wisler D’Haiti, Gethsemane/Danbury Community SDA Churches Jesus paid it all 1 I hear the Savior say, REFRAIN: 3 Since nothing good have I “Thy strength indeed is small, Where-by Thy grace to claim; Child of weakness, watch and pray, JESUS PAID IT ALL, I’ll wash my garment white Find in Me thine all in all.” ALL TO HIM I OWE; In the blood of Cal-vary’s Lamb. [Refrain] [Refrain] SIN HAD LEFT A 2 Lord, now indeed I find CRIMSON STAIN, 4 And when, before the throne, Thy power and Thine alone, HE WASHED IT WHITE Can change the leper’s spots I stand in Him complete, And melt the heart of stone. AS SNOW [Refrain] I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet [Refrain] 3

Obituary Arrival and Early Years We pass through this life but once. The impact made on others will be for either life everlasting or the other place. Newton “Style” Isaac Howson, son of Archibald and Ethlyn Montaque-Howson, was the fifth of seven siblings. There was a huge gap between the siblings he followed. When he arrived in this world, his older siblings had already left home. He grew up with his two younger siblings. He was very industrious and loved to cook. His formative years were spent in Logwood District, in the Parish of Hanover, Jamaica. His upbringing shaped his life as a caring and outgoing individual who loved people. Teen Years and Young Adulthood In the age he grew up, brilliant students got full scholarships to go on to high school. Newton received a half scholarship, but could not afford to pay the other half of his tuition costs and his father was not too keen on his son not wanting to follow in his footsteps—farming, fishing and livestock rearing. Newton preferred “white collar” jobs that required him to “dress up” and keep his hands and nails clean. He liked his shoes spotless—his sibling wondered how he would walk on the road, since he liked his shoes clean and shine. His first job was as a waiter in a hotel in the tourist mecca of Negril, Jamaica, where he distinguished himself. He ran into problems with his parents for coming home just at or after sunset on Friday evenings. Since job-choices were very limited, he decided to leave his parents’ house to live with his older sibling in Old Harbor, Jamaica. He actively participated in church activities, including singing in a men’s group. The life of a teen away from home was tough. Odd jobs were not lucrative; however, enterprise and resourcefulness prevailed. An eye for something better, led him to night school. With an aptitude for numbers, he excelled in bookkeeping, which led him to the London Chamber of Commerce Level One Bookkeeping Certificate. This accomplishment propelled him forward to a Certificate in Advanced Accounting, with which, he was ready to leave the odd jobs enterprise for more stable income and upward mobility. He held various accounting and payroll processing jobs, while attending evening classes at a branch campus of the University of West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, where he gained knowledge and acumen in Business Administration. 4

Leaving Bachelorhood Behind God was calling Newton back to the faith and life of his childhood. Before going back, however, he stopped and got himself a girl. Doreen Malcolm, a tall, huge afro-touting, platform-heeled maiden from Westmoreland. They got married, baptized and he sent her off to college. They raised two girls—Stephaney and Nadine and the girls produced three off springs—Antonio and Layla (Stephaney) and Isaac Newton (Nadine). Immigration and Advancement Newton and Doreen immigrated to the United States with their family in the spring of 1986. They promptly settled in Great Neck, New York, where the Lord provided Newton with employment as a Benefits Administrator at Canon, USA. After several years in that position, they relocated to Westchester County, New York. Newton completed a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Business Administration at one of the Schools of the Prophets. He worked as an Accountant and Benefits Administrator while pursuing and completing a graduate degree at Pace University. He worked as a Senior Accountant and Income Tax Preparer until his retirement in 2010. He continued working part-time as Benefits Administrator and Income Tax Preparer until late fall, 2020. A Legacy of Service in God’s Army Newton took his commitment to serve the Lord and win souls for His Kingdom very seriously. His commitment and faithful service was reignited at the Hagley Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Kingston, Jamaica; and continued at the Jamaica Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Queens, New York. Newton served the Lord in various capacities—Personal Ministries Leader, Assistant Treasurer, Sabbath School Teacher, Deacon, Finance Committee Chair, Family Ministries Co-leader and First Elder. He formed visitation groups to nursing homes and prisons, conducted Revelation Seminars, gave Bible Studies to individuals and groups; while the Holy Spirit worked on hearts and turned many souls to Jesus. Newton was also missionary-minded and served for several months as a Bible Instructor in Seoul, Jeon Ju and Gangnam, South Korea. After many years living in White Plains and serving the Lord at the Jamaica SDA Church, the Howson family relocated to Danbury, Connecticut and transferred their memberships to the First Seventh-day Adventist Church of White Plains, where he remained and served as an Elder until his illness rendered him unable to function as a Bible Instructor and Elder. 5

Illness and Death Newton battled cancer for over twenty-five years. He went into remission and was able to carry out his duties with distinction for many years, by God’s grace. He was known as “the man who was down today, and up tomorrow.” The cancer returned, metastasized and rendered him incapacitated since the fall of 2020. He fought a courageous battle with the Lord keeping and sustaining him, while people everywhere prayed for him. His daughter, Nadine, wife, Doreen, and medical team took care of his every need. Newton lost the cancer battle, and quietly went to sleep in Jesus on Wednesday morning, August 4, 2021. Those Remaining in the Fight Newtf was a valiant servant leader in the army of Christ. The Holy Spirit used him powerfully to build up the Kingdom of Christ. He loved the Lord and the things of God. He loved his family and he loved the brethren. With his final audible word, JESUS, he leaves to mourn, not as those who have no hope; wife, Doreen, daughters Stephaney Hairston (Kenny) and Nadine; grandchildren, Antonio, Isaac and Layla; sisters, Eva Campbell (United Kingdom), Amy Howson (Canada), Janet Stewart (Jamaica); nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, church families, extended families and a host of well-wishers, neighbors and former co-workers. 6

Prayer of Gratitude – Doreen Howson LORD, You gave me the best human being that earth could produce! FATHER, I am grateful for the YEARS that YOU gave us together. We had obstacles, But YOU saw us through each ONE. YOU really loved me FATHER for allowing me to spend happy YEARS with one so genuinely nice. THANK You for giving me one of the FEW good men! He made us happy and we are so GRATEFUL! JUST in case there will be marriages in Heaven, Father, I am putting in my request for NEWTION ISAAC HOWSON. If there will be no marriages LORD, a mansion next to his will suffice. His fervent prayer was that YOU bless those he left behind. Would you PLEASE answer his PRAYER and BLESS, Seal, and SAVE us? Thank You Father! I pray in JESUS Name. Amen. My Uncle Newton by Yvonne Leslie tell someone that he is my uncle, and they would try to correct me by My uncle Newton was a very special person. He was a friend to many people. My uncle and I grew up together, we attended the same saying, you mean he is your nephew. I would repeat he is my uncle. elementary school and church. Newton was very family oriented. He loved his family. He kept Usually, uncles in most instances are older than their nieces and nephews. In our situation, I was older than him. When we were in in touch with family and friends on a regular basic. He called me school, the kids who knew he was my uncle would often tell me to call him Uncle Newton (I never did). There were times when I would regularly even went he was not doing well. His faith never waiver, he loved his God. I look forward to seeing him again in 7 the earth made new where we will never part again. I will miss his phone calls. I love my uncle very much.

“Memories really don’t leave as people do, they always stay with you, and having such fond and lasting memories of my favourite cousin” In the Morning When I Rise In the morning when I rise / In the morning when I rise In the morning when I rise / Give me Jesus Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus You can have all this world / But give me Jesus And when I am alone / Oh, when I am alone And when I am alone / Give me Jesus Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus You can have all this world / But give me Jesus And when I come to die / Oh, when I come to die And when I come to die / Give me Jesus Give me Jesus / Give me Jesus You can have all this world / But give me Jesus 88

Tribute by Wayn-Wal A. and Sonia Howson I can’t help but think that his father, Archibald Howson named his son Newton Isaac after the English Mathematician, Physicist and theologian Isaac Newton, as I believe he had great expectations of this son. Was he disappointed? Certainly not! His son was extraordinary and brought class and style to all aspects of his life. Newton earned his first BA (Born Again Degree) very early in his life He had a love for God and his family which was unmatched. As a child of God coupled with his academic achievements, he excelled in his spirit of generosity, his love for sharing the Good News of Salvation; his great love for his family, his friends, the church family, and the wider community. My interactions with my Cuz brought out some rare qualities. He was always pleasant and we usually engage in good healthy spirited and jovial conversations. He was very stylish and fashionable in his dressing and speech; hence, he earned the alias “STYLE.” He was never loud, always unruffled, calm, and composed even in controversial conversations. I loved that about him and will always remember his infectious laughs. I am a beneficiary of his generosity in many ways, and although cousins, we actually were friends that stuck close like brothers. I remember well my wife and I really wanted to spend time with his family in New York but we could not afford two tickets. When Newton went to the airport to meet us in a WHITE LIMOUSINE and realized I was not with her, he bought a ticket, sent it for me and I was on the earliest flight to New York so we could spend time together. As if that was not enough, he and his wife gave up their bedroom to accommodate us. That was the level of kindness extended to us among other acts of generosity from both. I also commend his loving wife for the excellent role she exhibited over the years of his illness, the care that his daughter Nadine gave, and the moral support that his grandson Isaac displayed in his final years, months, and weeks leading up to his final days. It is with profound regret that my wife and I could not attend this thanksgiving service of our worthy and faithful friend due to the pandemic. We take this opportunity to express our sincere condolence to his lovely widow, Doreen, his daughters Nadine and Stephaney, and his grandchildren, sister, Janet, and other family members who share in this loss.We believe that Newton Isaac Howson sleeps peacefully in Christ and God shall raise him up in the 9first resurrection. Let us be faithful so we can see him again in the sweet bye and bye.

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Remembering Newton Isaac Howson by Janet Howson-Stewart N Nice brother who craves the attention of his sisters but proudly seeks their welfare like a hen brooding over her chickens. E Energetic chef who loved to show his prowess in the kitchen especially with fried dumplings. W Wise, wonderful, willing teacher whose dedication and sacrifice brought his students to Christ. T Thoughtful, talented and trustworthy Accountant deferred his sickness for a day to complete his tax return. O Outspoken, over protective father who loves his children dearly and demands only love for Christ in return. N Neat, noticeable and attractive individual whose conservative attire constantly drew the attention of others. I Independent, immovable student of the WORD. S Spiritual and selfless. Goes beyond the call of duty to show love and care for his siblings. A Ambitious and as an eager beaver propelled him to leave his homeland to seek a better way of life for his family. A Active, amicable and sociable friend who never lose an opportunity to spend time with his colleagues at church. C Commendable, committed Elder with an indomitable spirit, which led many individuals to Christ. H Happy, hardworking. Finds time to spend with his grandchildren. O Optimistic in the face of death. Deeply trusting that it was never too late for the Lord to “turn it around” W Warm and welcoming. He made it apart of his duty, though sick to video call me if not every day, but every Sabbath at lunch break S Strong, Sincere in serving God and delights in inviting others to do the same. O Open-handed to the needy N Noble. He means what he says and says what he means. We’re Bound for theLand We’re bound for the land of the pure and the holy; 3 Nor fraud nor deceit, nor the hand of oppression. The home of the happy, the Kingdom of love; Can injure the dwellers in that holy grove; Ye wanderers from God in the broad road of folly No wickedness there, not a shade of transgression; O say, will you go to the Eden above? O say, will you go to the Eden above? Refrain: 4 No poverty there, no, the saints are all wealthy, Will you go? Will you go? The heirs of His glory whose nature is love Will you go? Will you go? No sickness can reach them, that country is healthy; O say, will you go to the Eden above? O say, will you go to the Eden above? 2 In that blessèd land neither sighing nor anguish 5 And yet, guilty sinner, we would not forsake thee, We halt yet a moment as onward we move; 12Can breathe in the fields where the glorified rove O, come to thy Lord! In His arms He will take thee, And bear thee along to the Eden above. Ye heart-burdened ones, who in misery languish, O say, will you go to the Eden above?

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There is a Fountain filled with Blood There is a fountain filled with blood 3 Thou dying Lamb!, Thy precious 5 Lord I believe Thou hast prepared, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins; blood Unworthy though I be, And sinners, plunged beneath that Shall never lose its power, For me a blood-bought, free reward, flood, Till all the ransomed Church of God A golden harp for me, Lose all their guilty stains: Are saved, to sin no more: A golden harp for me, Lose all their guilty stains, Are saved, to sin no more, A golden harp for me, Lose all their guilty stains; Are saved, to sin no more; For me a blood-bought free reward, a And sinners, plunged beneath that Till all the ransomed Church of God golden harp for me. flood, Be saved to sin no more. 6 There in a nobler, sweeter song Lose all their guilty stains. 4 E’er since by faith I saw the stream I’ll sing Thy power to save 2 The dying thief rejoiced to see Thy flowing wounds supply, When this poor lisping, stammering That fountain in his day; Redeeming love has been my theme, tongue And there may I, though vile as he, And shall be till I die: Is ransomed from the grave Wash all my sins away: And shall be till I die, Is ransomed from the grave, Wash all my sins away, And shall be till I die; Is ransomed from the grave Wash all my sins away; Redeeming love has been my theme, When this poor lisping, stammering And there may I, though vile as he, And shall be till I die. tongue Wash all my sins away. Is ransomed from the grave 1414

Committal Service Song ………..........………..……. There is a Gate that Stands Ajar ................................. Pastor Kyran Leo John Scripture Reading ……......… 1 Thess 4:13-18 …………............................................…… Dr. Samuel Blair Scripture Reading ..…......,,… 1 Cor 15:51-55 ………….............................................…… Pastor Wisler D’Haiti Committal and Prayer…………………………..............................................................…. Pastor Kyran Leo John Closing Remarks There is a Gate INTERNMENT: There is a gate that stands ajar, 15 And through its portals gleaming KENSICO CEMETERY A radiance from the cross afar, Valhalla, New York The Savior’s love revealing. REFRAIN: OFFICIATING PASTORS: O depth of mercy! Can it be Kyran Leo John That gate was left ajar for me? Dr. Samuel Blair For me? For me? Wisler D’Haiti Was left ajar for me! PALLBEARERS: That gate ajar stands free for all Who seek through it salvation; Dr. Luis Blanco, MD The rich and poor, the great and small, Clinton Boxhill, Sr. Francis Desir Of every tribe and nation. Errol “Jack” Martín Press onward, then, though foes may frown, Ivor Richardson Ronald Tomlinson While mercy’s gate is open; Accept the cross, and win the crown, Love’s everlasting token. Beyond the river’s brink we’ll lay The cross that here is given, And bear the crown of life away, And love Him more in Heaven.

Acknowledgements “Newton Howson’s family express our appreciation for your prayers, well wishes, friendships and support during his illness. At his passing, your phone calls, text messages, Facebook posts, tributes, food, flowers, visits, sympathies, empathies, gifts, cards and whatever you did to ease the sorrow of our profound loss, made all the difference!” We thank the physicians, nurses, care technicians, Dr. Jo-Ann Soltis and the Palliative team at Danbury Hospital, White Plains Hospital, RVNA and Regional Hospice. Special thanks to Pastor Dowding, Sisters Jacobs and Walker, our brothers and sisters at FWP, Jamaica, Pastor Crawford and Danbury-Bethel, Pas- tor D’Haiti and Danbury Community, Fayetteville, March Town, Ambassador Seventh-day Adventist Churches and all the other individuals, churches and colleagues in the Business and Education cohorts for your unceasing prayers. God heard your prayers and kept us going! We praise and give glory to God for all of you! Our resolve, by God’s grace, is to meet up with Newt on the Sea of Glass as we travel to the New Jerusalem. 16